Development and implementation of an integrated molecular workflow for parasitological and entomological surveillance of Chagas Disease in endemic area of Ceará, Brazil

Bruna Maria Nepomuceno Sousa Lino^1,2, Fábio Miyajima², Fernando Braga Stehling Dias^1,2

^1. UFC, Universidade Federal do Ceará; Rua Alexandre Baraúna, 949, Rodolfo Teófilo, Fortaleza, CE, CEP 60430-160
^2. Fiocruz CE, Fiocruz Ceará; R. São José, S/N - Precabura, Eusébio - CE, 61773-270

Bruna Maria Nepomuceno Sousa Lino^¹,², Fabio Miyajima¹, Fernando Braga Stehling Dias^¹,²¥
¹ Analytical Laboratory for Molecular and Epidemiological Competencies, Fiocruz Ceará
² Postgraduate Program in Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará

Introduction: Chagas disease remains a serious public health concern in Brazil, especially in semi-arid regions of the Northeast, where socio-environmental conditions favor the persistence of vector-borne transmission cycles. In the state of Ceará, several municipalities report ongoing domestic infestation by triatomine bugs and confirmed human infections, configuring a high-risk scenario for Trypanosoma cruzi transmission. In this context, strengthening entomological and epidemiological surveillance is essential to guide control measures and prevent new cases. This study proposes the development of an integrated surveillance tool aimed at identifying, monitoring, and analyzing entomological and epidemiological indicators in priority municipalities. Objective: To develop and validate more effective and targeted public health surveillance strategies, with a focus on the early detection of vectors, their natural infection by T. cruzi and T. rangeli, and their blood meal sources, in addition to territorial analysis based on environmental and social risk factors. Materials and Methods: Field methods will include the collection and identification of triatomine vectors, molecular detection of infection using real-time PCR, and cytochrome b sequencing to identify blood meal sources. The data will be integrated into a georeferenced surveillance platform, enabling spatial and temporal analyses to support local health service decision-making. Expected Results and Conclusion: The tool is expected to contribute to optimizing entomological surveillance efforts, identifying high-risk areas, and strengthening local responses to Chagas disease, promoting a more sensitive, proactive, and territory-oriented approach. The development of this integrated strategy may serve as a replicable model for other municipalities with similar epidemiological contexts.

Agradecimentos: Fiocruz, Fiocruz Ceará, CAPES, Coordination for Health Surveillance and Reference Laboratories