Peridomestic infestation by Triatoma pallidipennis and natural infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in Zacatepec, Morelos, Mexico

Chagas disease remains a public health concern in rural and peri-urban areas of Mexico, where environmental and sociocultural conditions favour the presence of triatomines and the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). We conducted a cross-sectional survey in two localities of Zacatepec, Morelos, to document peridomestic infestation by Triatoma pallidipennis Stål (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), its natural infection with T. cruzi, and community knowledge, attitudes and practices. A total of 46 triatomines were collected, all identified as T. pallidipennis, with T. cruzi detected in all specimens. Overall infestation was 25.3% and colonization index was 47.8%, with a density of 50.5 triatomines per 100 dwellings whose peridomestic areas were inspected and an average of 2.0 triatomines per infested dwelling. Triatoma pallidipennis was found in peridomestic habitats associated with accumulation of materials, domestic animals and surrounding vegetation. Survey results indicated general awareness of the disease but limited knowledge of symptoms and preventive measures, with control practices mainly based on insecticide use. These findings provide local evidence of peridomestic vector presence and T. cruzi infection in Zacatepec, Morelos, Mexico and support the need to strengthen surveillance and community-based prevention strategies.