Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Cycle Among Wild and Domestic Mammals in Three Areas of Orally Transmitted Chagas Disease Outbreaks

We report Trypanosoma cruzi infection in wild and domestic mammals from three orally acquired Chagas disease outbreak areas in Brazil. Cachoeiro do Arari (Pari) displayed a panzootic scenery (positive mammals in all ecologic strata), and human cases were probably the consequence of their exposure within the sylvatic T cruzi transmission cycle. In Navegantes (Santa Catarina), Didelphis spp. was the main reservoir host, given that 93% were infected. In Redencao (Ceara), Monodelphis domestica and Thrichomys laterentius were also important for parasite maintenance. TCI was present in the three studied areas. Additionally. Z3 was detected in an armadillo from Pari and TCII in a triatomine from Navegantes. Domestic animals showed a high seroprevalence and should be considered sentinels in surveillance programs. The importance of a reduction in wild mammalian fauna diversity and selection of suitable T cruzi reservoir hosts are discussed as risk factors for the re-emergence of Chagas disease.