Which insect subfamily transmits Chagas disease?

Which insect subfamily transmits Chagas disease?

• A. Aedinae
• B. Phlebotominae
• C. Triatominae
• D. Cicadellinae

Answer: (C)

Chagas disease is transmitted by a specific group of blood-feeding bugs known as Triatominae. These insects, called kissing bugs, belong to the assassin bug family (Reduviidae) and have a feeding behavior in which they bite and then defecate near the bite. The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is carried in the bug’s feces, and infection occurs when the feces contaminate the bite wound or mucous membranes. This ecological and behavioral link makes Triatominae the correct subfamily for transmission. The other groups do not fit this transmission role. Aedinae are mosquitoes, which transmit other diseases but not Chagas. Phlebotominae are sandflies that spread Leishmania. Cicadellinae are leafhoppers that feed on plants and are not vectors for Chagas.

Chagas disease is transmitted by a specific group of blood-feeding bugs known as Triatominae. These insects, called kissing bugs, belong to the assassin bug family (Reduviidae) and have a feeding behavior in which they bite and then defecate near the bite. The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is carried in the bug’s feces, and infection occurs when the feces contaminate the bite wound or mucous membranes. This ecological and behavioral link makes Triatominae the correct subfamily for transmission.

The other groups do not fit this transmission role. Aedinae are mosquitoes, which transmit other diseases but not Chagas. Phlebotominae are sandflies that spread Leishmania. Cicadellinae are leafhoppers that feed on plants and are not vectors for Chagas.