Panstrongylus

Panstrongylus is a genus of hematophagous insects in the subfamily Triatominae of the family Reduviidae, order Hemiptera. Members of this genus, commonly known as kissing bugs, feed on the blood of vertebrates, including humans, and are primarily active at night. They are distributed across the Americas, with many species occurring in tropical and subtropical regions of South and Central America and parts of the Caribbean; several species also invade human dwellings or peridomestic settings such as animal enclosures and chicken coops, facilitating contact with people.

Ecology and behavior: Panstrongylus species typically have wild reservoirs in which they feed on wild mammals, birds, or reptiles, but some species have adapted to peridomestic or domestic habitats. They are attracted to lights and often enter houses seeking hosts. After a blood meal, the bugs typically defecate while still on the host, which is a critical factor in Trypanosoma cruzi transmission.

Medical relevance: Panstrongylus includes species considered important vectors of Chagas disease in the Americas, notably Panstrongylus megistus and Panstrongylus geniculatus. The ability to maintain domestic or peridomestic transmission cycles varies among species and ecological conditions. Transmission to humans occurs when T. cruzi parasites present in the bug feces enter through mucous membranes or breaks in the skin.

Control and management: Public health efforts focus on reducing housing and peridomestic infestation, improving housing, environmental management, and targeted insecticide spraying, along with surveillance. Personal protective measures and housing improvements can reduce human contact with infected insects.