Transient Viability Of A Psittacosis-Lymphogranuloma-Trachoma Agent In Triatoma Protracta (Hempitera: Reduviidae)

Experiments were undertaken to determine if Triatoma protracta (Uhler) could function as a vector of a strain of the Psittacosis-Lymphogranuloma-Trachoma (PLT) group of organisms among desert wood rats, Neotoma lepida . Adult triatomids were readily infected by feeding on infected wood rats. Viable PLT organisms (Psittacosis strain 6 BC) persisted for at least 4 days in the adult bugs, 6 days in the 4th and 5th instars, and for less than 2 days in the 1st instars. PLT organisms were not transmitted by triatomids from infected to normal wood rats through mechanical means or ingestion of infected triatomids. It was concluded that T. protracta would be of little significance in the maintenance or propagation of PLT infection in N. lepida in nature.