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. 2025 Sep 29:58:e00252025.
doi: 10.1590/0037-8682-0025-2025. eCollection 2025.

First record of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) from Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[Article in Portuguese]
Allan Pitta Seabra  1 , João Paulo Sales Oliveira-Correia  1 , Quezia Moura Oliveira  2 , Maria Clara Rego E Silva  2 , Alena Mayo Iñiguez  2 , Cleber Galvão  1
Affiliations

First record of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) from Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

[Article in Portuguese]
Allan Pitta Seabra et al. Rev Soc Bras Med Trop. .

Abstract

Background: Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and transmitted by kissing bugs.

Methods: We investigated the presence of Panstrongylus megistus in Ilha Grande, RJ. The insects was analyzed for T. cruzi infection and blood meal sources (BMSs).

Results: Morphological identification confirmed P. megistus. Molecular analysis revealed Gallus gallus as the BMS, with no T. cruzi infection.

Conclusions: These findings represent the first record of P. megistus in the region, expanding its distribution, highlighting the need for continuous monitoring and implementation of physical barriers to reduce transmission risk. Strengthening health education and surveillance is crucial for preventing the disease.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1:
FIGURE 1:. Map showing the location of the “Centro de Estudos Ambientais e Desenvolvimento Sustentável (CEADS)” in Vila Dois Rios, Ilha Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
FIGURE 2:
FIGURE 2:. Specimen of Panstrongylus megistus photographed a few hours after its collection.
FIGURE 3:
FIGURE 3:. Dorsal (A), ventral (B), label (C), and lateral (D) views of a Panstrongylus megistus male.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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