Kissing Bugs. The Vectors of Chagas

Lori Stevens, Patricia L. Dorn, Justin O. Schmidt, John H. Klotz, David Lucero, Stephen A. Klotz

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

33 Scopus citations

Abstract

A complete picture of Chagas disease requires an appreciation of the many species of kissing bugs and their role in transmitting this disease to humans and other mammals. This chapter provides an overview of the taxonomy of the major species of kissing bugs and their evolution. Knowledge of systematics and biological kinship of these insects may contribute to novel and useful measures to control the bugs. The biology of kissing bugs, their life cycle, method of feeding and other behaviours contributing to the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi are explained. We close with a discussion of vector control measures and the allergic complications of kissing bug bites, a feature of particular importance in the United States.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Parasitology
PublisherAcademic Press
Pages169-192
Number of pages24
DOIs
StatePublished - 2011

Publication series

NameAdvances in Parasitology
Volume75
ISSN (Print)0065-308X

Keywords

  • Chagas disease
  • Reduviidae
  • Triatoma infestans
  • Triatominae
  • Trypanosoma cruzi

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Parasitology

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