Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) have identified a significant increase in the prevalence of the parasite responsible for Chagas disease among kissing bugs collected near the U.S.-Mexico border. The study, led by Rosa Maldonado, Ph.D., professor of biological sciences at UTEP, focused on insects found in residential and natural areas across El Paso County, Texas, and southern New Mexico.
Chagas disease is caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and is mainly transmitted through blood-feeding insects known as kissing bugs. Globally, about 6 million people are affected by this illness. In its chronic phase, Chagas disease can remain asymptomatic for years but may eventually cause severe heart and gastrointestinal issues.
“The infection prevalence in kissing bugs has risen significantly, from 63.3% in a study we conducted in 2021 to now 88.5%, indicating a marked upward trend. T. cruzi infections appear to be increasing,” said Rosa Maldonado, Ph.D., a UTEP professor of biological sciences who led the study, published in the journal Epidemiology & Infection, in collaboration with Priscila S. G. Farani, Ph.D., assistant professor in UTEP’s School of Pharmacy.
The research team gathered kissing bugs from various locations including yards, under garden furniture and firewood; Franklin Mountains State Park; the UTEP area; El Paso High School; and Canutillo. Of the 26 specimens collected during this study period, 22 tested positive for T. cruzi—an infection rate of 88.5%. This marks an increase from their previous findings in 2021 when only about two-thirds (66%) of sampled insects carried the parasite.
The researchers noted that these results highlight Chagas disease as an emerging public health concern for the Southwestern United States—a region where it was not previously widespread.
Maldonado offered several preventive recommendations: sealing homes to close cracks and gaps that might allow entry for kissing bugs; keeping pets indoors when possible since they can also contract Chagas disease; removing debris or woodpiles near homes because such areas provide shelter for these insects; installing insect screens on windows; and turning off outdoor lights at night to avoid attracting bugs.
Looking ahead, Maldonado’s team plans to conduct further research with local residents to determine if there is already evidence of Chagas infection within the community.
