Polymerase chain reaction detection of Trypanosoma cruzi in suboptimally preserved vectors and comparative infection rates 2007-2010 in Escondido, Southern California.

We investigate the effect of specimen preservation on reliable detection of infection rates of the Chagas disease agent Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in the Californian endemic vector Triatoma protracta (Uhler) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by using polymerase chain reaction. Infection rates in suboptimally preserved specimens (dry or low-percentage ethanol) were found to be not significantly different from optimally preserved samples. Based on our samples, the infection rate of vectors in one population in Escondido, San Diego County, has not changed significantly between 2007 and 2010.