Nuevos registros de triatominos (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) en el municipio de General Zuazua, Nuevo León, México.

Chagas disease is endemic in Latin-America and it is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The vectors are members of the subfamily Triatominae. In México, 31 species have been identified and for Nuevo León there are six species in 23 of the 51 municipalities of the state. Objective. The aim of the present study was to document the new records of triatomine species in the municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León. Materials and methods. Triatomine collection was carried out in a semi-urban area in the municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo León. Two sampling points were established and were separated by 150 m. We used illuminated screen traps of 1.5 x 1.5 m, and illumination was provided by rechargeable lamps with white LEDs set from 18:00 to 07:00 hrs. Environmental variables such as air temperature, soil temperature, wind speed, and relative humidity were recorded in each sampling site using a thermo-anemometer. Caught specimens were preserved in 30 ml plastic containers fitted with filter paper on the bottom and a piece of folded paper placed vertically. The specimen of Paratriatoma lecticularia was maintained alive in the laboratory and was blood-fed on mice and later on, the faeces were examined for the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi. Results. Two triatomine species were captured being these Paratriatoma lecticularia and Triatoma gerstaeckeri. P. lecticularia was found infected with T. cruzi-like parasites. Conclusions. Both triatomine species were new records for the municipality of General Zuazua, Nuevo Leon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]