Tele-entomology and tele-parasitology: A citizen science-based approach for surveillance and control of Chagas disease in Venezuela

• DOI: 10.1016/j.parepi.2022.e00273
• Publication Date: 2022-09-07T23:58:49Z
• Authors: Lourdes A. Delgad...; Carlos E. Hernánd...; Juan David Ramírez; Carolina Hernández; Natalia Velasquez...; José Clavijo; Jose Manuel Ayala; David Forero-Peña; Marilianna Marquez; Maria J. Suarez; Luis Traviezo-Valles; Maria Alejandra E...; Luis Perez-Garcia; Isis Mejias Carpio; Emilia M. Sordillo; Maria E. Grillet; Martin S. Llewellyn; Juan C. Gabaldón; Alberto E. Paniz ...
• Keywords: Chagas Disease; Triatominae; Rhodnius; Entomology; Parasitology

Chagas Disease (CD), a chronic infection caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite, is Neglected Tropical endemic to Latin America. With re-emergence in Venezuela during past two decades, spread of CD has proved susceptible to, and inhibitable digital, real-time surveillance system effectuated Citizen Scientists communities throughout country. The #TraeTuChipo (#BringYourKissingBug) campaign implemented January 2020, served as such strategy counting on community engagement define current ecological distribution vectors despite absence functional national program. This pilot collected data through online surveys, social media platforms, and/or telephone text messages. A total 79 triatomine bugs were reported from eighteen Venezuelan states; 67 identified Panstrongylus geniculatus, 1 Rhodnius pictipes, Triatoma dimidiata, 10 maculata. We analyzed 8 feces samples spotted 4 geniculatus which confirmed positive qPCR for T. cruzi. Further molecular characterization discrete typing units (DTUs), revealed that all contained TcI, most highly diverse broadly distributed strain Moreover, analysis mitochondrial 12S gene Myotis keaysi, Homo sapiens, Gallus gallus main feeding sources. study highlights novel Science approach may help improve systems countries.