Protocol for laboratory rearing and infection tracking of Rhodnius prolixus using 3D-printable designs
Human infections by Trypanosoma cruzi propagate via its blood-feeding triatomine vector. Investigating parasite-vector interactions depends upon robust techniques to rear insects and analyze infections. Here, we present a protocol for laboratory rearing and infection tracking of Rhodnius prolixus. We describe steps for housing, feeding, and sorting strategies using 3D-printable designs. We also detail procedures for gut dissection, fecal collection, and parasite re-isolation. This protocol describes techniques that support efforts to understand and mitigate vector-mediated Chagas disease transmission.
Ruby E Harrison, Ronald Drew Etheridge. STAR Protoc. 2025 Jun 13;6(3):103894. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2025.103894.