Introduction

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. Transmission is through insects of the Triatominae subfamily, where Triatoma dimidiata is one of the main vectors in Mexico and Central America. This parasite transmission depends on factors such as the infection rate of the vector and its defecation time after feeding.

Aim

Evaluate the ability of five nymphal stages of T. dimidiata to cause infection of T. cruzi and determine the posprandial defecation time.

Material and methods

Thirty individuals of each stage of T. dimidiata were fed with blood infected with T. cruzi. A second feed was carried out after 20 days to evaluate the presence of the parasite in the feces and timing of postprandial defecation.

Results

The total number of individuals infected with T. cruzi was 99 (66 %). Differences statistically significant were not found among the nymphal stages (p> 0.05). Defecation time was lower in individuals of the fifth stage with difference statistically significant (p <0.05).

Conclusions

All stages of T. dimidiata were infected with T. cruzi, being the fifth stage the better vector in laboratory conditions.

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