Phenotypic diversity of Triatoma infestans at the microgeographic level in the Gran Chaco of Argentina and the Andean valleys of Bolivia

Journal of Medical Entomology
Luciana AbrahanS S Catalá

Abstract

Triatoma infestans (Klug) is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of Chagas disease. The phenotype of the species varies at different geographic scales. The objective of this study was to compare the antennal phenotype of spatially close T. infestans populations and to evaluate its usefulness as a marker of exchange of individuals between populations. The antennal phenotype of 190 T. infestans from Argentina and Bolivia was analyzed using uni- and multivariate techniques. This study shows heterogeneity of the antennal phenotypes of closely related T. infestans populations living in different habitats. Specimens collected in a goat corral and a rabbit cage in La Rioja (Argentina) were dissimilar to the specimens collected in the nearby intradomestic environment. Similarly, specimens from peridomestic corrals in Cochabamba (Bolivia) were different from the intradomestic and sylvatic specimens, indicating some degree of isolation between these populations. In contrast, T. infestans collected in chicken coops and the intradomestic environment were similar, in all studied regions, suggesting a frequent exchange of individuals between the two habitats and/or because of the similarity of the habitat due to the presenc...Continue Reading

Citations

May 28, 2016·Journal of Vector Ecology : Journal of the Society for Vector Ecology·Luciana AbrahanSilvia Catalá
May 23, 2020·Infection, Genetics and Evolution : Journal of Molecular Epidemiology and Evolutionary Genetics in Infectious Diseases·Troy J KieranTravis C Glenn
Nov 26, 2008·Acta Tropica·J P DujardinS Catalá

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