Urban Triatomines in Central México: Linking Ecological Niche Models with New <i>Triatoma barberi</i> (Reduviidae:Triatominae) Records
2025
Salvador Zamora-Ledesma | Norma Hernández-Camacho | Jesús Luna-Cozar | Robert W. Jones | María Elena Villagrán-Herrera | Brenda Camacho-Macías
Chagas disease, caused by <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i>, is a significant health concern in Latin America, with triatomine insects serving as its primary vectors. Among them, <i>Triatoma barberi</i> is an important yet understudied species in Querétaro, Mexico. This study employs ecological niche modeling (ENM) to predict the potential distribution of <i>T. barberi</i> in the region, using occurrence records and environmental variables. The MaxEnt algorithm was used to generate the model, which was validated through AUC and TSS metrics. Results indicate that temperature seasonality and altitude are key drivers of <i>T. barberi</i> distribution, with high-suitability areas found in semi-urban and peri-urban zones. Additionally, six new occurrence records were documented, suggesting a growing urban presence of this species. These findings highlight the need for enhanced vector surveillance and targeted control measures to reduce the risk of Chagas disease transmission.
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