Dynamics of Panstrongylus megistus infestation, the primary vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Panstrongylus megistus is considered one of the primary species of epidemiological importance for the transmission of Chagas disease in Brazil due to its wide geographical distribution throughout the national territory, good ability to invade and colonize houses, and high rates of natural infection by the Trypanosoma cruzi. The importance of this species in Minas Gerais has been recognized since the 80s. It is responsible for the high prevalence rates of Chagas disease in the west of the state.

Identification and characterization of microsatellite markers for population genetic studies of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Triatominae: Reduviidae).

Background: Panstrongylus megistus is the most important vector of Chagas disease in Brazil. Studies show that the principal factor hindering the control of triatomines is reinfestation of houses previously treated with insecticides. Studies at the microgeographic level are therefore necessary to better understand these events.

Microsatellite variation revealed panmictic pattern for Triatoma brasiliensis (Triatominae: Reduviidae) in rural northeastern Brazil: the control measures implications.

Background: Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911 is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the caatinga of Northeastern Brazil. Despite of its epidemiological relevance, there are few studies on its genetic variability. Using microsatellite markers, we characterized the variability and dynamics of infestation and reinfestation of T.

Genetic characterization of residual Triatoma infestans populations from Brazil by microsatellite.

In spite of long-term efforts to eliminate Triatoma infestans (Klug 1834) from Brazil, residual foci still persist in the states of Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul. Data on the genetic variability and structuring of these populations are however lacking. Using nine microsatellite loci, we characterized one residual T.

Markers for the population genetics studies of Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Background: Triatoma sordida, a vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, is native of Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay, and occurs primarily in peridomiciles. Currently, it is the species most frequently captured by the Chagas Disease Control Program in Brazil. For this reason, population genetic studies attract great interest, as they can provide further information about the dispersal and household invasion processes of this species.

Profile of the Trypanosoma cruzi vector infestation in Jaboticatubas, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Introduction: This work aimed to analyze the triatomine infestation scenario in Jaboticatubas after 30 years of the uninterrupted actions of the Program of Chagas Disease Control.

Methods: From 2007 to 2010, household unit infestation was researched, and an exploratory analysis of the localities infested with Panstrongylus megistus was performed.

Results: In total, 613 triatomines were captured in 78 households, the majority of which were Panstrongylus megistus and were captured mainly in chicken houses, but they were also found to be colonizing human houses.

Influence of the palm tree species on the variability of Rhodnius nasutus Stål, 1859 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae).

This work evaluated the occurrence and genetic structure of Rhodnius nasutus sampled in two sites using morphometry and microsatellites. These sites, presented distinct abiotic features and palm trees: (i) nine Attalea speciosa palm trees, so called babaçu, were sampled from the Meruoca Mountain Ridge, a sloping region of reminiscent forest in the state of Ceará, Brazil, and (ii) 17 Copernicia prunifera palm trees, so called carnaúba, were sampled in the scrub savanna region (Sobral district) that surrounds the mountain ridge. Of the twenty-six palm trees dissected, 70.

Biological aspects of crosses between Triatoma maculata (Erichson, 1848) and Triatoma pseudomaculata Corrêa & Espínola, 1964 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Due to morphological similarities between Triatoma maculata and T. pseudomaculata, which comprise the "maculate complex", both had been regarded as the same species until 1964. Considering that the studies on triatomine hybridization permit hypotheses formulation concerning origin and divergence of species, enabling a quantitative analysis of taxonomic relationships between species, the present investigation was aimed at broadening further understanding related to the capacity of hybrid production by determining the degree of reproductive isolation between T.