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The members of the Triatominae / t r aɪ. ə ˈ t ɒ m ɪ n iː /, a subfamily of the Reduviidae, are also known as conenose bugs, kissing bugs (so-called from their habit of feeding from around the mouths of people), [1] or vampire bugs. Other local names for them used in the Americas include barbeiros, vinchucas, pitos, chipos and chinches.
This species and other "kissing bugs" are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan that causes Chagas disease. [4] This species is between 0.5 and 0.75 inches long. It is dark brown to black in color with a lighter margin along the abdomen. The wings lie flat across the back. The "beak" has three segments and curls beneath the head.
Triatoma infestans, commonly called winchuka [1] or vinchuca [2] in Argentina, Bolivia, Uruguay and Chile, barbeiro in Brazil, chipo in Venezuela and also known as "kissing bug" or "barber bug" in English, is a blood-sucking bug (like virtually all the members of its subfamily Triatominae) and the most important vector of Trypanosoma cruzi which can lead to Chagas disease.
To date, 11 different species of the bug have been identified in 28 states. Skip to main content. Sign in. Mail. 24/7 Help. For premium support please call: 800-290-4726 more ways ...
Triatoma is a genus of assassin bug in the subfamily Triatominae (kissing bugs). The members of Triatoma (like all members of Triatominae) are blood-sucking insects that can transmit serious diseases, such as Chagas disease. Their saliva may also trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, up to and including severe anaphylactic shock.
The CDC estimates some 8 million people in Mexico, Central America, and South America have the disease -- and most are unaware.
Chagas disease is caused by infection with the protozoan parasite T. cruzi, which is typically introduced into humans through the bite of triatomine bugs, also called "kissing bugs". [4] When the insect defecates at the bite site, motile T. cruzi forms called trypomastigotes enter the bloodstream and invade various host cells. [ 5 ]
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