Description

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

A study published in the Journal of Medical Entomology shows that Trypanosoma cruzi—the parasite that causes Chagas disease—can survive in dead kissing bugs (Triatominae) even within insecticide-treated dog kennels.

Karnataka is grappling with the outbreak of Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD) commonly known as monkey fever.

About Chagas Disease

Feature	Details
Causative Agent	Trypanosoma cruzi (a protozoan parasite).
Vector	Triatomine bugs (commonly known as kissing bugs).
Geographic Distribution	Endemic to Latin America increasingly reported globally due to migration.
Transmission	Vector bites, congenital (mother-to-child), contaminated food, organ transplants or blood transfusion.

Clinical Manifestations

Stage	Symptoms
Acute Stage	Fever, swelling at the bite site (Romaña sign), malaise, hepatosplenomegaly.
Chronic Stage	Asymptomatic for years; severe cases include cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias and gastrointestinal complications (megacolon, megaesophagus).

Treatment

Drugs	Details
Nifurtimox	Effective in the acute stage.
Benznidazole	Commonly used.

Global Impact

Affects 6–7 million people worldwide with significant morbidity in Latin America.

Migration and urbanization have spread cases to non-endemic regions including the U.S. and Europe.

About Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)

Feature	Details
Causative Agent	Kyasanur Forest Disease Virus (KFDV), a flavivirus.
Vector	Ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera).
Reservoir Hosts	Small mammals, monkeys (Macaca radiata and Semnopithecus entellus).
Geographic Distribution	Endemic to Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra in India.
Transmission	Tick bites; handling infected animal carcasses.

Clinical Manifestations

Stage	Symptoms
Febrile Phase (1st Week)	High fever, headache, chills, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhea.
Post-febrile Phase	Hemorrhagic symptoms, neurological complications (meningitis, encephalitis).
Recovery Phase	Some patients experience prolonged weakness and fatigue.

Treatment

No specific antiviral treatment is available.

Symptomatic management includes hydration, pain relief and treatment of secondary infections.

KFD vaccine available for high-risk populations in endemic areas.

Global Impact

Reported 500–700 cases annually with fatality rates ranging from 3–10%.

Increasing human activities in forested areas have heightened the risk of transmission.

Chagas Disease vs. KFD

Aspect	Chagas Disease	Kyasanur Forest Disease (KFD)
Causative Agent	Trypanosoma cruzi (protozoan)	KFDV (flavivirus)
Vector	Triatomine bugs	Ticks (Haemaphysalis spinigera)
Primary Symptoms	Cardiac and gastrointestinal complications	Hemorrhagic fever, neurological symptoms
Geographic Scope	Endemic to Latin America, spreading globally	Restricted to forested areas in India
Treatment	Antiparasitics (nifurtimox, benznidazole)	Supportive care only

About Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs, also known as Triatomine bugs, are blood-sucking insects responsible for transmitting Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. These insects are primarily found in the Americas and have a significant role in the epidemiology of the disease.

Biology

Feature	Details
Taxonomy	Family: Reduviidae; Subfamily: Triatominae.
Common Names	Kissing bugs, Assassin bugs, Cone-nose bugs.
Physical Characteristics	Oval-shaped body, 1–3 cm long, with a cone-shaped head and a long proboscis.
Habitat	Prefer cracks in walls, roofs, and spaces in thatched houses; can also be found in wild animal nests.
Feeding Habits	Nocturnal feeders; attracted to CO₂ and warmth from human and animal bodies.

Key Vector Species

Triatoma infestans: Common in South America.

Rhodnius prolixus: Found in Central America.

Triatoma dimidiata: Distributed widely in Central and South America.

Role in Chagas Disease Transmission

Kissing bugs feed on blood and defecate near the bite site.

The Trypanosoma cruzi parasites in their feces enter the human body through mucous membranes or scratches in the skin caused by itching.

Sources:

ENTOMOLOGY, TIMESOFINDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q:Which of the following statements about kissing bugs is/are correct?

Kissing bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on blood.
They primarily transmit malaria and dengue in tropical regions.
These bugs can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi through their feces.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct. Kissing bugs are nocturnal insects that feed on the blood of humans and animals primarily at night.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Kissing bugs do not transmit malaria or dengue. These diseases are spread by mosquitoes like Anopheles and Aedes aegypti respectively.

Statement 3 is correct. Kissing bugs transmit Trypanosoma cruzi the causative agent of Chagas disease, through their feces which contaminates wounds or mucous membranes.