<i>Triatoma rubrofasciata</i> as a potential vector for bartonellosis

<i>Bartonella</i> spp. are most often transmitted by arthropod vectors or animal bites and scratches. However, the vector species involved in the transmission of human bartonellosis remain poorly understood. This study investigated the presence of <i>Bartonella</i> in <i>Triatoma rubrofasciata</i> from Guangxi and Hainan provinces in China, evaluating its potential as a vector. <i>Bartonella</i> was identified in <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> samples through PCR amplification and sequencing of the <i>ITS</i>, <i>gltA</i>, and <i>rpoB</i> genes. The survival duration of <i>Bartonella</i> in triatomines, along with the potential for transovarial transmission was examined. Transmission experiments were conducted to determine whether <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> could transmit <i>Bartonella</i> to mice. Additionally, <i>Bartonella spp.</i> were also compared across rats, ticks, and cat fleas collected from the same regions. Results: Six <i>Bartonella</i> species were identified in <i>T. rubrofasciata</i>, including <i>B. rochalimae</i>, <i>B. elizabethae</i>, <i>B. tribocorum</i>, <i>B. queenslandensis</i>, <i>B. silvatica</i>, and <i>B. coopersplainsensis</i>. And the first three species are zoonotic. <i>B. rochalimae</i> and <i>B. elizabethae</i> were able to persist in <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> for at least eight weeks, although transovarial transmission of them was not observed. In comparison to rats, ticks, and cat fleas, <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> exhibited a higher diversity of <i>Bartonella</i> species. Laboratory experiments confirmed that <i>B. elizabethae</i> can infect mice through <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> bites or intraperitoneal injection of <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> feces. This study supports the hypothesis that <i>T. rubrofasciata</i> may serve as a vector for bartonellosis. These results broaden the current understanding of <i>Bartonella</i> transmission dynamics and highlight the potential role of triatomines in the spread of this disease.