Optimization of a CO2-free synthetic host-odor blend to attract triatomines

FABIO GUIDOBALDI; PABLO G. GUERENSTEIN

Bogotá

Congreso; 3° Congreso Latinoamericano de Ecología Química; 2014

Asoc. Latinoamericana de Ecología Química

Introduction: Triatomine (vector) control is the most effective method to prevent Chagas disease. Currently, vector control is mainly accomplished by insecticide spraying. However, this is not ideal considering that the insects develop resistance to the insecticides, and that these chemicals could affect people living in sprayed houses. The use of lured traps is a sound alternative method for vector control.   Material and methods: Using two of the most important Chagas vectors, Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans, we tested potential odor attractants in a dual-choice trap olfactometer. The synthetic blends tested consisted of L-(+)-lactic acid, valeric acid and ammonium hydroxide. These compounds were placed in individual LDPS (low density polyethylene sheets), and were assayed using a live mouse as positive control. Different blends tested were the result of using different volumes of the solutions of each of the three components.   Results: The different blends tested varied in their capture performance. In the case of R. prolixus the best blend evoked 81% capture in a single night (this represents a significant capture respect to the negative control, G-test, p