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Is Rhodnius robustus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) responsible for Chagas disease transmission in Western Venezuela?
Author(s) -
Feliciangeli M. Dora,
Dujardin JeanPierre,
Bastrenta Brigitte,
Mazzarri Milena,
Villegas Judith,
Flores Maria,
Muñoz Maruska
Publication year - 2002
Publication title -
tropical medicine and international health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.056
H-Index - 114
eISSN - 1365-3156
pISSN - 1360-2276
DOI - 10.1046/j.1365-3156.2002.00853.x
Subject(s) - reduviidae , biology , hemiptera , trypanosoma cruzi , rhodnius , rhodnius prolixus , zoology , chagas disease , triatominae , veterinary medicine , transmission (telecommunications) , polymerase chain reaction , virology , ecology , insect , parasite hosting , genetics , gene , medicine , world wide web , computer science , electrical engineering , engineering
We present evidence for the putative role of Rhodnius robustus as extradomestic vector of Chagas disease in Western Venezuela. First, we assessed the validity of this triatomine species by genetic characterization in relation with some other species of the prolixus group. Random amplified polymorphic DNA data showed a clear separation between this species and R. prolixus and indicated a probable genetic heterogeneity within R. robustus . Faeces and gut contents were microscopically examined in 54 of 137 R. robustus collected in palm trees. According to this morphological examination, 18% were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi, 11% harboured T. rangeli and 11% showed mixed infection. Five of the seven samples examined gave a polymerase chain reaction major band of 270 bp specific of T. cruzi . The hybridization probes showed that R. robustus may transmit clones 20 and 39 (or genetically related ones) in Venezuela. Such a transmission might occur when, in absence of domestic R. prolixus and attracted by artificial light, R. robustus enters houses and feeds on humans, or when people are bitten outdoors. The lack of bugs inside houses could mean that the insects leave houses after feeding, or die without reproducing there.