Eco-Epidemiology of Chagas disease

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite, Trypanosoma cruzi, is the most important vector-borne disease in Latin America. It is transmitted to humans by triatomine bugs. Despite an ongoing eradication campaign, transmission persists in many areas, particulary in the Gran Chaco region of Argentina where Triatoma infestans is the main vector. The long-term goal of our project is to understand and model the reinfestation processes of human dwellings and peridomestic structures by T. infestans and the transmission of T. cruzi to humans.

Data derived from molecular tools, satellite imagery, field observations and experiments will be integrated into GIS and mathematical models to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and epidemiological processes related to the disease. Risk maps produced from these models will help to evaluate and prioritize control efforts.

The Disease