Differentiation of Rhodnius neglectus and Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) by multiple parameters.

Introduction: The genus Rhodnius in the subfamily Triatominae comprises 20 species, which can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. Due to the development of molecular techniques, Triatominae species can now be characterized by mitochondrial and nuclear markers, making it possible to verify and/or correct the existing data on these species. The results achieved in this study provide a more detailed and accurate differentiation of the Rhodnius species, helping the establishment of a more appropriate classification.

Cytotaxonomy of (Chagas, 1909): Differentiation of I (TcI) and II (TcII) Genotypes Using Cytogenetic Markers.

Chagas disease is a public health problem caused by the , and the I (TcI) and II (TcII) groups are considered important genotypes from the clinical point of view. Currently, the groups need to be molecularly analyzed for their identification; thus, we cytogenetically analyzed these groups with the objective of developing more accessible techniques for the characterization of these parasites. TcI and TcII groups were differentiated by nucleus characterization with lacto-acetic orcein (TcI-nucleus with positive heteropycnosis and TcII-nucleus with negative heteropycnosis), emphasizing the importance of the application of this technique for epidemiological and clinical studies of Chagas disease.

Spermathecae: Morphofunctional features and correlation with fat bodies and trachea in six species of vectors of Chagas disease.

Since spermatheca is able to transport spermatozoa and maintain a specific microenvironment for the storage of viable sperm cells for long periods of time, specific morphofunctional features must be involved in this capacity, and an efficient nutritional and oxygen supply must be required. In this study, we investigated the histological features of spermathecae and fat bodies in six species of three genera of epidemiological importance for Chagas' disease. The association of the reproductive system with the fat bodies and tracheal system was also focused in these species.

Occurrences of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and first reports of Panstrongylus geniculatus in urban environments in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.

This note reports on occurrences of triatomine species in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, registered between 1988 and 2017. Records of triatomines captured in Sao Paulo are based on specimens received spontaneously from Health Surveillance Centers, Health Centers and Zoonosis Control Centers in the city as well as from citizens. Species were identified morphologically at the Public Health Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, where the triatomines, which are vectors of Chagas disease, were tested for Trypanosoma cruzi infection.

Response to different benznidazole doses in animal models of chronic phase Chagas disease: a critical review.

Chagas disease is a protozoan infection that was identified over a century ago. No drugs are available to treat the indeterminate and determinate chronic phases of the disease. Success of a drug design is dependent on correct biological evaluation.

Biological and Molecular Characterization of Strains from Four States of Brazil.

Chagas disease affects between six and seven million people. Its etiological agent, , is classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs). The biological study of 11 strains presented here included four parameters: growth kinetics, parasitemia curves, rate of macrophage infection, and serology to evaluate IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3.

Morphology of the spermathecae of twelve species of Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) vectors of Chagas disease.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is transmitted by triatomines that have been described in a large number of studies. Most of those studies are related to external morphology and taxonomy, but some biochemical, genetic and physiological studies have also been published. There are a few publications in the literature about the internal organs of Triatominae, for instance the spermathecae, which are responsible for storing and maintaining the viability of the spermatozoids until the fertilization of the oocytes.

Use of Zymography in Trypanosomiasis Studies.

Zymography assay is a semiquantitative technique, very sensitive, and commonly used to determine metalloproteinase levels in different types of biological samples, including tissues, cells, and extracts of protein. Samples containing metalloproteinases are loaded onto a polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and a specific substrate (gelatin, casein, collagen, etc.).

Efficacy of a Binuclear Cyclopalladated Compound Therapy for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the Murine Model of Infection with Leishmania amazonensis and Its Inhibitory Effect on Topoisomerase 1B.

Leishmaniasis is a disease found throughout the (sub)tropical parts of the world caused by protozoan parasites of the genus. Despite the numerous problems associated with existing treatments, pharmaceutical companies continue to neglect the development of better ones. The high toxicity of current drugs combined with emerging resistance makes the discovery of new therapeutic alternatives urgent.

Trypanosoma cruzi isolated from a triatomine found in one of the biggest metropolitan areas of Latin America.

Introduction: To characterize Trypanosoma cruzi (TcI) isolated from a Panstrongylus megistus specimen found in one of the biggest metropolitan areas of Latin America, the relationship between the TcI group of T. cruzi and the transmission cycle in the urban environment was studied.

Methods: The T.

Trypanosoma cruzi strains from triatomine collected in Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Objective: Collection of triatomines in domestic, peridomestic and sylvatic environments in states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul, Northeastern and Southern Brazil respectively, and isolation of Trypanosoma cruzi strains.

Methods: First, the captured triatomines were identified using insect identification keys, then their intestinal content was examined by abdominal compression, and the samples containing trypanosomatid forms were inoculated in LIT medium and Swiss mice.

Results: Six triatomine species were collected in cities in Bahia, namely Panstrongylus geniculatus (01), Triatoma melanocephala (11), T.