A Southwestern United States Pilot Investigation of Triatomine–Mite Prevalence

Simple Summary An estimated 70 million persons in the Western Hemisphere are living at risk for Chagas disease, a parasitic infection transmitted to humans by over 156 different competent triatomine insect vector species. Prior Pan American Health Organization insecticide campaigns throughout Latin America in the 1990s and 2000s demonstrated that domestic insecticide spraying had temporary effects, which resulted in the re-establishment of triatomine species within a few years. Serendipitously, our team found ectoparasitic mites parasitizing triatomines collected from the field in multiple locations in the southwestern United States, where human–triatomine interaction was high but human parasite infection remains low. Upon further investigation of 408 triatomines collected across multiple field sampling sites in Arizona and New Mexico, 13% were found to be parasitized by mites. Mites were found on both Triatoma rubida and Triatoma protracta species and corporally dispersed on the head, thorax, abdomen and legs of these species. Interestingly, there was no statistical difference in Trypanosoma cruzi infection status between parasitized and unparasitized triatomines. Upon further review of the scientific literature, two Latin American-based studies suggest that the presence of mites on triatomines might reduce vector competency via decreased fitness and fecundity. This study provides the first contemporary report of triatomine ectoparasitism, which warrants further investigation as the biologic role of this host-attached mites on Trypanosoma cruzi transmission efficacy. Abstract Background: Chagas disease is a leading cause of cardiac failure in Latin America. Due to poor safety profiles and efficacy of currently available therapeutics, prevention is a priority for the millions living at risk for acquiring this clinically important vector-borne disease. Triatomine vectors of the Chagas disease parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, are found in the southwestern United States, but risk for autochthonous transmission is thought to be low. The role of ectoparasitic mites is under-explored regarding the ecology of triatomines and Chagas disease transmission. Methods: Triatomine collections were performed using three common entomologic techniques in 2020–2021 from four different locations in southern Arizona and New Mexico. Triatomines were analyzed visually under a 112.5× microscope for the presence of externally attached mites. Following mite removal, triatomines were tested for T. cruzi infection by PCR. Results: Approximately 13% of the collected triatomines had mites securely attached to their head, thorax, abdomen, and legs. More than one mite attached was a common finding among ectoparasitized triatomines. Mite presence, however, did not statistically influence triatomine T. cruzi status. Conclusions: Our findings add to a growing body of literature demonstrating the sustainability of mite-infested triatomine populations throughout the Western Hemisphere. Future investigations are warranted to better understand the biologic impact of triatomine mites and their potential to serve as a potential biological control tool.