A new Trypanosoma cruzi genotyping method enables high resolution evolutionary analyses.

Background: Trypanosoma cruzi is an important human pathogen in Latin America with nearly seven million people infected. It has a large degree of genetic diversity, classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs), which probably influences its physiological behavior and clinical manifestations. Several genotyping methods are available, with distinct performance on easiness, cost, resolution and applicability; no method excels in all parameters.

Molecular characterization of Trypanosoma cruzi samples derived from Triatoma vitticeps and Panstrongylus geniculatus of the Atlantic rainforest, southeast Brazil.

Background: In rural areas of Espírito Santo state, southeast Brazil, triatomine species attracted by light frequently invade residences. The aim of this study was to investigate the Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) harbored by these triatomines.

Methods: Triatomine's intestinal contents were examined, inoculated in mice, and the positive samples were cultivated.