Urban Opossums and Trypanosoma cruzi Risk in Southeastern Mexico
Author Information
Author(s): Martínez-Vega Pedro Pablo, Rivera-Pérez Marian, Pellegrin Gabrielle, Amblard-Rambert Antoine, Calderón-Quintal Jorge Andrés, Barnabé Christian, Teh-Poot Christian, Ruiz-Piña Hugo, Ortega-Pacheco Antonio, Waleckx Etienne
Primary Institution: Laboratorio de Parasitología, Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Dr. Hideyo Noguchi, Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán, Mérida, México
Hypothesis
What is the contribution of urban opossums to non-vectorial transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi?
Conclusion
The study confirms that urban opossums can harbor Trypanosoma cruzi, highlighting their potential role in non-vectorial transmission in urban areas.
Supporting Evidence
- T. cruzi was detected in 16 out of 102 opossums sampled.
- The prevalence of T. cruzi in blood was 14.71%.
- Detection of T. cruzi in anal gland secretions underscores potential non-vectorial transmission.
- Only one milk sample tested positive for T. cruzi.
- Females with offspring had lower parasite loads compared to females without offspring and males.
Takeaway
Opossums in cities can carry a parasite that causes Chagas disease, which can spread in ways other than through insect bites.
Methodology
Blood, anal gland secretions, and milk were collected from opossums, and PCR was used to detect T. cruzi.
Limitations
The low prevalence of T. cruzi in anal gland secretions and milk suggests limited evidence for non-vectorial transmission routes.
Participant Demographics
The sample included 102 opossums, with 39 males and 63 females, comprising 82 adults and 20 juveniles.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
Wilson CI95% for prevalence values
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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