Deforestation effects and house invasion by chagas disease vectors in Brazil

We analyzed how deforestation affects triatomine presence and distribution in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, from 2007 to 2019. Using land change data from MapBiomas (1985-2022), we assessed land cover shifts, including forest, deforestation, and urbanization, and their impact on Trypanosoma cruzi vectors. Urban growth has largely replaced mixed-use and forest areas, bringing some populations closer to remnants of the forest and increasing triatomine presence indoors. We documented 1,518 triatomine records, with ~ 50% testing positive for T. cruzi. Statistical models showed that deforestation and the remaining forest patches within neighborhoods are key factors influencing triatomine frequency. This urban expansion raises the risk of parasite transmission among vulnerable groups. To mitigate this, we recommend enhanced surveillance, control strategies, and health education in high-risk neighborhoods, aiming to reduce exposure and prevent disease transmission associated with deforestation and habitat changes.

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Publication Details

Journal
Scientific Reports
Published
2025-10-31
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-22086-z
Primary Topic
Trypanosoma species research and implications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

Deforestation effects and house invasion by chagas disease vectors in Brazil

Márcia C. Castro, Cristiane Wanderley Cardoso, Rodrigo Gurgel‐Gonçalves, Eliaci Couto de Lima Costa et al.
Scientific Reports
Trypanosoma species research and implications
article

Deforestation effects and house invasion by chagas disease vectors in Brazil

Márcia C. Castro, Cristiane Wanderley Cardoso, Rodrigo Gurgel‐Gonçalves, Eliaci Couto de Lima Costa, Hernán Darío Argibay, Fabiano Simões, Cristiane Medeiros Moraes de Carvalho, Mitermayer Galvão dos Reis, Gilmar Ribeiro, M. T. Verde, Renato Barbosa Reis
article en

Abstract

We analyzed how deforestation affects triatomine presence and distribution in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, from 2007 to 2019. Using land change data from MapBiomas (1985-2022), we assessed land cover shifts, including forest, deforestation, and urbanization, and their impact on Trypanosoma cruzi vectors. Urban growth has largely replaced mixed-use and forest areas, bringing some populations closer to remnants of the forest and increasing triatomine presence indoors. We documented 1,518 triatomine records, with ~ 50% testing positive for T. cruzi. Statistical models showed that deforestation and the remaining forest patches within neighborhoods are key factors influencing triatomine frequency. This urban expansion raises the risk of parasite transmission among vulnerable groups. To mitigate this, we recommend enhanced surveillance, control strategies, and health education in high-risk neighborhoods, aiming to reduce exposure and prevent disease transmission associated with deforestation and habitat changes.

Scientific ReportsVol. 15(1)
Universidade Federal da Bahia (BR), Universidade do Estado da Bahia (BR), Universidade de Brasília (BR), Yale University (US), Ministry of Health (TT), Harvard Global Health Institute (US), Universidade Salvador (BR), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (BR)
Openalex Percentile: Top 58%
Trypanosoma species research and implications
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