Vectors and Life Cycle

	The protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma Cruzi, causes Chagas Disease. This parasite is transmitted by Triatomine bugs, also referred to as kissing bugs. These bugs commonly reside in walls and thatched roofs of rural homes, as well as in animal corrals and other peridomestic structures in South  and Central America.
In Argentina, the main vector is Triatoma infestans and the bugs are known as "vinchucas". Transmission to humans occurs when bugs emerge from cracks and crevices in the mud walls of traditional rural dwellings to feed on the blood of the sleeping occupants. The bugs defecate while feeding, and when eyes, mouth, or open cuts come into contact with the feces of infected triatome bugs, transmission of T.cruzi can occur.