Occurrence and distribution of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in municipalities of the Northeastern region of Minas Gerais State, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are targeted for the control of Chagas disease in endemic areas of Brazil.

METHODS: Data regarding triatomines captured during 2001-2008 in 34 municipalities in the Northeast of Minas Gerais were analyzed.

RESULTS: In total, 11,187 triatomines from eight species were captured, mostly in henhouses and bedrooms. Trypanosomes were found in 203 samples. Main species were Triatoma sordida, Panstrongylus megistus, and Triatoma vitticeps. The number of P. megistus adults was positively correlated with temperature and precipitation, whereas the number of nymphs followed the inverse pattern.

CONCLUSIONS: Occurrence of triatomines in domiciles indicates the need for sustained entomological surveillance.