Flight initiation of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) under natural climatic conditions

Genetic structure of deltamethrin-resistant populations of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in the Gran Chaco

The genetic structure of natural populations offers insight into the complexities of their dynamics, information that can be relevant to vector control strategies. Microsatellites are useful neutral markers to investigate the genetic structure and gene flow in Triatoma infestans, one of the main vectors of Chagas disease in South America. Recently, a heterogeneous pyrethroid-resistant hotspot was found in the Argentine Gran Chaco, characterized by the highest levels of deltamethrin resistance found at the present time. We applied population genetics analyses to microsatellite and village data and search for associations between the genetic variability and the heterogeneous toxicological pattern previously found. We genotyped 10 microsatellite loci in 67 T. infestans from 6 villages with no, low, and high pyrethroid resistance. The most genetically diverse populations were those susceptible or with low values of resistance. In contrast, high-resistance populations had lower herozygosity and some monomorphic loci. A negative association was found between variability and resistant ratios. Global and pairwise F_STs indicated significant differentiation between populations. The only susceptible population was discriminated in all the performed studies. Low-resistance populations were also differentiated by a discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) and were composed mostly by the same two genetic clusters according to STRUCTURE Bayesian algorithm. Individuals from the high-resistance populations were overlapped in the DAPC and shared significant proportions of a genetic cluster. These observations suggest that the resistant populations might have a common origin, although more genetic markers and samples are required to test this hypothesis more rigorously.

Effect of reproductive state on active dispersal in Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) susceptible and resistant to deltamethrin

Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) is the main vector of the Chagas´ disease in Argentina. The presence of insects in the domestic environment after application of pyrethroid insecticides was reported. The colonization and the evolution of insecticide resistance are processes that can explain these control failures. In both processes, the active dispersal of insects is a determining factor. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the reproductive state modulate the dispersal capacity of females of T. infestans susceptible and resistant to deltamethrin. For this, different variables associated with active dispersal were measured in virgin and copulated females both susceptible and resistant to deltamethrin. The experimental arena was 10 m long and contained two shelters. Groups of 12 females of each experimental group were released in one of the shelters and were able to move during 3 days/nights. The results showed that the females mainly dispersed by walking regardless of the reproductive state and the toxicological phenotype. On the other hand, the copula affected the posterior dispersal capacity in females susceptible and resistant to deltamethrin. The copulated females dispersed more times, leaved more times from the shelters and showed a higher proportion of dispersed individuals than the virgin females. Finally, the insecticide resistance reduced the dispersal capacity of females. The resistant insects showed lower number of dispersal events, a lower proportion of dispersed individuals, and lower exit and entry events from/to shelter than susceptible insects. This is the first report of the effect of copula on the capacity of active dispersion in vectors of Chagas disease susceptible and resistant to insecticides.

Occurrence of domestic and intrusive triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in sylvatic habitats of the temperate Monte Desert ecoregion of Argentina

The eco-epidemiology of Triatominae and Trypanosoma cruzi transmission has been little studied in the Argentinean Monte ecoregion. Herein, we provide a comprehensive description of domestic and intrusive triatomines to evaluate the risk of reinfestation of rural dwellings. Triatoma infestans, T. patagonica, T. garciabesi and T. eratyrusiformis were collected by active searches or light traps. None were infected with T. cruzi. One T. infestans male was collected at 1.3 km from the nearest infested house. The finding of intrusive and domestic triatomines in sylvatic foci emphasizes the need of implementing an effective vector surveillance system.

Thermal Tolerance Plasticity in Chagas Disease Vectors Rhodnius prolixus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and Triatoma infestans

Temperature is recognized as the most influential abiotic factor on the distribution and dispersion of most insect species including Rhodnius prolixus (Stål, 1859) and Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834), the two most important Chagas disease vectors. Although, these species thermotolerance range is well known their plasticity has never been addressed in these or any other triatomines. Herein, we investigate the effects of acclimation on thermotolerance range and resistance to stressful low temperatures by assessing thermal critical limits and 'chill-coma recovery time' (CCRT), respectively. We found positive effects of acclimation on thermotolerance range, especially on the thermal critical minimum of both species. In contrast, CCRT did not respond to acclimation in either. Our results reveal the plasticity of these Triatomines thermal tolerance in response to a wide range of acclimation temperatures. This presumably represents a physiological adaptation to daily or seasonal temperature variation with concomitant improvement in dispersion potential.

Activity levels of female Triatoma infestans change depending on physiological condition

Background

Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, in South America. Active dispersal of this vector is the principal cause of recolonization of human dwellings previously treated with insecticides. Due to the persistence of vector populations and their movement between habitats, dispersive behavior studies are important for understanding the epidemiology of Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship among T. infestans females’ activity levels according to their physiological conditions.

Results

Two groups of insects were used, unfed and fed females. Each was composed of three subgroups in relation to the reproductive state: fifth-stage nymphs, virgin and fertilized females. There was a significant interaction between reproductive and nutritional states among T. infestans female’ activity levels. During the experiments, unfed and fed nymphs remained inactive. Virgin females showed a dual behavior in their movement; fasted insects were more active. Fertilized females, both fed and unfed, were always active.

Conclusion

The reproductive and nutritional conditions of T. infestans females affect their activity levels. When females with different reproductive states remained together, fertilized females showed permanent activity levels, suggesting that this subgroup of females represents the highest epidemiological risk as colonizers of human dwellings.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13071-018-3117-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Should I stay or should I go? Movement of adult Triatoma sordida within the peridomestic area of a typical Brazilian Cerrado rural household

Background

Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, is an important neglected tropical illness caused by the flagellate protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which is primarily transmitted to humans by hematophagous insects of the subfamily Triatominae. Although knowledge on triatomine movement capabilities at the micro-geographical scale is of fundamental importance concerning the development of effective vector control strategies, it remains a poorly understood subject. Furthermore, survival rates and size estimates of natural populations are important topics to consider when evaluating transmission intensity.

Results

The movement of adult Triatoma sordida within the peridomestic area of a rural Brazilian household was evaluated via mark-release-recapture assays. A total of 210 insects had their pronota marked with fluorescent dyes and were released at different distances from the chicken coop (two, five, ten and 20 m), and from the horse corral (27, 32, 35, 46 and 56 m). Recaptures occurred in three consecutive 15-day intervals. Specimens were successfully recaptured at all distances up to 32 m. Bayesian models were used to estimate recapture probability, survival rates (males vs females) and population size. Although recapture probability was inversely proportional to distance for both sexes, females were more affected by increased distance. On the other hand, no significant difference was detected in the survival rates between males and females in a 15-day period. Fisher-Ford and Bayesian models gave more accurate population size estimates than Lincoln method.

Conclusions

Triatoma sordida adults were able to cover a distance of 32 m in 45 days. Recapture data modelling reveals that male dispersal was more effective suggesting that T. sordida males are more likely to contribute as potential colonizers of the peridomestic environment. Increasing the distance between the peridomestic structures and the sylvatic environment as much as possible appears to be a simple and feasible recommendation to reduce the contact rate between humans and infected bugs and ultimately Chagas disease transmission.

Bionomics and Spatial Distribution of Triatomine Vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Texas and Other Southern States, USA

Defining spatial and temporal occurrences of triatomine vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, in the US is critical for public health protection. Through a citizen science program and field collections from 2012 to 2016, we collected 3,215 triatomines, mainly from Texas. Using morphological and molecular approaches, we identified seven Triatoma species and report sex, length, and blood engorgement status. Many citizen-collected triatomines (92.9%) were encountered indoors, in peridomestic settings, or in dog kennels and represent spillover transmission risk of T. cruzi to humans and domestic animals. The most commonly collected species were Triatoma gerstaeckeri and Triatoma sanguisuga. Adult T. gerstaeckeri were collected from May to September, peaking from June to July, whereas adult T. sanguisuga were active later, from June to October, peaking from July to September. Based on cross correlation analyses, peaks of captures varied by species and across years. Point pattern analyses revealed unique occurrences of T. sanguisuga in north and east Texas, T. gerstaeckeri in south and west Texas, Triatoma indictiva and Triatoma lecticularia in central Texas, and Triatoma rubida in west Texas. These relatively unique spatial occurrences suggest associations with different suitable habitats and serve as a basis for future models evaluating the ecological niches of different vector species. Understanding the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of triatomines in the southern United States will improve targeted interventions of vector control and will guide public outreach and education to reduce human and animal contact with vectors and reduce the risk of exposure to T. cruzi.

Drivers of house invasion by sylvatic Chagas disease vectors in the Amazon-Cerrado transition: A multi-year, state-wide assessment of municipality-aggregated surveillance data

Background

Insecticide spraying efficiently controls house infestation by triatomine bugs, the vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi. The strategy, however, is ineffective against sylvatic triatomines, which can transmit Chagas disease by invading (without colonizing) man-made structures. Despite growing awareness of the relevance of these transmission dynamics, the drivers of house invasion by sylvatic triatomines remain poorly understood.

Methods/Findings

About 12,000 sylvatic triatomines were caught during routine surveillance in houses of Tocantins state, Brazil, in 2005–2013. Using negative binomial regression, information-theoretic model evaluation/averaging, and external model validation, we investigated the effects of regional (Amazon/Cerrado), landscape (preservation/disturbance), and climate covariates (temperature, rainfall) on the municipality-aggregated numbers of house-invading Rhodnius pictipes, R. robustus, R. neglectus, and Panstrongylus geniculatus. House invasion by R. pictipes and R. robustus was overall more frequent in the Amazon biome, tended to increase in municipalities with more well-preserved land, and decreased in rainier municipalities. Across species, invasion decreased with higher landscape-disturbance levels and in hotter-day municipalities. Invasion by R. neglectus and P. geniculatus increased somewhat with more land at intermediate disturbance and peaked in average-rainfall municipalities. Temperature effects were more pronounced on P. geniculatus than on Rhodnius spp.

Conclusions

We report widespread, frequent house invasion by sylvatic triatomines in the Amazon–Cerrado transition. Our analyses indicate that readily available environmental metrics may help predict the risk of contact between sylvatic triatomines and humans at coarse geographic scales, and hint at specific hypotheses about climate and deforestation effects on those vectors–with some taxon-specific responses and some seemingly general trends. Thus, our focal species appear to be quite sensitive to higher temperatures, and might be less common in more heavily-disturbed than in better-preserved environments. This study illustrates, in sum, how entomological routine-surveillance data can be efficiently used for Chagas disease risk prediction and stratification when house-colonizing vectors are absent.

Triatomine bugs are the vectors of Chagas disease, still a key public health concern in the Americas. Insecticide spraying efficiently controls house infestation by triatomines, but is useless against sylvatic bugs–which can transmit the disease by simply invading human residences. Although this behavior is common, the drivers of house invasion by wild triatomines remain poorly understood. Using municipality-aggregated data from routine surveillance, we investigated whether and how some major environmental factors affect house invasion by four triatomine species across the transition between Amazon rainforests and Cerrado savannahs in Brazil. We found that house invasion (i) is widespread, (ii) varies by region for some species, (iii) is overall less frequent in areas with higher levels of landscape disturbance, and (iv) is less common in hotter and in rainier sites. Although the effects of landscape disturbance and climate differed somewhat among bug species, the general approach we describe here may help advance Chagas disease risk assessment when house-colonizing vectors are absent.

The role of light in Chagas disease infection risk in Colombia

Background

Chagas disease is the most important vector-borne disease in Latin America and Rhodnius prolixus is the main vector in Colombia. Control strategies in this region have shown poor outcomes due to the insect’s ability to disperse between the sylvatic and the domestic habitat. Because insect migration to houses is responsible to sustain contact rates between vectors and humans, understanding the risk factors that promote migration could be important in designing control strategies. In this respect, it has been reported that adult triatomines have the ability to move over long ranges at night attracted by artificial light. Thus, light bulbs could be playing a critical role in house invasion. The main objective of this study is to understand the role of artificial light, or simply light, in house infestation by R. prolixus.

Methods

To investigate the role of light, we combined fieldwork in the village of Chavinave, Casanare, Colombia and a mathematical model of Rhodnius prolixus dynamics. The model allowed us to simulate insect mobility and distribution in the village based on field results. We created 11 scenarios representing different amounts of light in the village (from 0 to 100 %, with increments of 10 %) with 100 simulations each for a time of 1000 days (2.7 years) and compare the results between the scenarios.

Results

None of the Gomez-Nuñez traps were positive at any stage of the study, suggesting that insects do not colonize houses. The model predicts that with current village connections the proportion of houses that have visiting insects should be around 98 %. Additionally we showed that an increase in light allows for insect spreading and migration to previously un-infested areas.

Conclusions

Increments in light could increase the contact rates between vectors and humans; a two-fold increase in human cases for a 30 % increase in the use and visibility of light on this particular village was estimated with the model.

Risks associated with dispersive nocturnal flights of sylvatic Triatominae to artificial lights in a model house in the northeastern plains of Colombia

Background

Control initiatives and continuous surveillance of vector-borne transmission have proved to be effective measures for diminishing the incidence of Chagas disease in endemic countries. However, the active dispersal of infected sylvatic adult triatomines by flight represents one of the main obstacles to eliminating domestic transmission.

Methods

In order to determine the risk that active dispersal of sylvatic adult triatomines represents in Colombian northeastern plains, we quantified the distribution and abundance of triatomines in palm trees (primarily Attalea butyracea) using live bait traps. Directional light traps were used to estimate the frequency of sylvatic triatomine dispersal and their possible origin. Finally, the effect of environmental parameters and artificial light sources on the take-off of sylvatic Rhodnius prolixus was evaluated in field experiments.

Results

R. prolixus was found in 90 % of the palm trees that densely aggregated toward the northern portion of the study area. R. prolixus, and three other sylvatic triatomine species were found to actively disperse and were attracted to the directional light traps (Triatoma maculata, Panstrongylus geniculatus and Psammolestes arthuri). Temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and night luminosity did not affect the active dispersal of the triatomines which is higher the first two hours after sunset. Artificial lights from houses at 60 and 110 m played a key role in the directionality of the R. prolixus take-offs. Trypanosoma cruzi was isolated from R. prolixus, T. maculata and P. geniculatus and was genotyped as T. cruzi I, III and IV.

Conclusions

Our results highlight the potential risk in Colombian northeastern plains of actively dispersing sylvatic triatomines and their role in the domestic introduction of Discrete Typing Units of T. cruzi associated to sylvatic foci of Chagas disease transmission.

Host-seeking behavior and dispersal of Triatoma infestans, a vector of Chagas disease, under semi-field conditions

Chagas disease affects millions of people in Latin America. The control of this vector-borne disease focuses on halting transmission by reducing or eliminating insect vector populations. Most transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, involves insects living within or very close to households and feeding mostly on domestic animals. As animal hosts can be intermittently present it is important to understand how host availability can modify transmission risk to humans and to characterize the host-seeking dispersal of triatomine vectors on a very fine scale. We used a semi-field system with motion-detection cameras to characterize the dispersal of Triatoma infestans, and compare the behavior of vector populations in the constant presence of hosts (guinea pigs), and after the removal of the hosts. The emigration rate – net insect population decline in original refuge – following host removal was on average 19.7% of insects per 10 days compared to 10.2% in constant host populations (p = 0.029). However, dispersal of T. infestans occurred in both directions, towards and away from the initial location of the hosts. The majority of insects that moved towards the original location of guinea pigs remained there for 4 weeks. Oviposition and mortality were observed and analyzed in the context of insect dispersal, but only mortality was higher in the group where animal hosts were removed (p-value <0.01). We discuss different survival strategies associated with the observed behavior and its implications for vector control. Removing domestic animals in infested areas increases vector dispersal from the first day of host removal. The implications of these patterns of vector dispersal in a field setting are not yet known but could result in movement towards human rooms.

Chagas disease is transmitted by triatomine bugs that actively disperse by walking and flying. The control of this vector-borne disease focuses on reducing or eliminating the insect vector populations. Most transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, involves insects living within or very close to households and feeding mostly on domestic animals. As animal hosts can be removed due to migration, slaughter, or death, it is important to understand how host availability can modify transmission risk to humans and to characterize the dispersal of triatomine vectors on a very fine scale. We used a semi-field system to characterize the dispersal of Triatoma infestans, and compare the behavior of vector populations in the constant presence of hosts and after the removal of the hosts. The emigration rate – net insect population decline in original refuges – following host removal was on average 19.7% of insects per 10 days compared to 10.2% in constant host populations. Activity of insects was significantly increased when hosts were removed. The removal of domestic animals in infested areas increases vector dispersal, possibly towards nearby human sleeping spaces.

Behavioural biology of Chagas disease vectors

Many arthropod species have adopted vertebrate blood as their main food source. Blood is rich in nutrients and, except for the presence of parasites, sterile. However, this food source is not freely available, nor is obtaining it devoid of risk. It circulates inside vessels hidden underneath the skin of mobile hosts that are able to defend themselves and even predate the insects that try to feed on them. Thus, the haematophagous lifestyle is associated with major morphological, physiological and behavioural adaptations that have accumulated throughout the evolutionary history of the various lineages of blood-sucking arthropods. These adaptations have significant consequences for the evolution of parasites as well as for the epidemiology of vector-transmitted diseases. In this review article, we analyse various aspects of the behaviour of triatomine bugs to illustrate how each behavioural trait represents a particular adaptation to their close association with their hosts, which may easily turn into predators. Our aim is to offer to the reader an up-to-date integrative perspective on the behaviour of Chagas disease vectors and to propose new research avenues to encourage both young and experienced colleagues to explore this aspect of triatomine biology.

Rhodnius prolixus and Rhodnius robustus-like (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) wing asymmetry under controlled conditions of population density and feeding frequency

Habitat change in Rhodnius spp may represent an environmental challenge for the development of the species, particularly when feeding frequency and population density vary in nature. To estimate the effect of these variables in stability on development, the degree of directional asymmetry (DA) and fluctuating asymmetry (FA) in the wing size and shape of R. prolixus and R. robustus-like were measured under laboratory controlled conditions. DA and FA in wing size and shape were significant in both species, but their variation patterns showed both inter-specific and sexual dimorphic differences in FA of wing size and shape induced by nutrition stress. These results suggest different abilities of the genotypes and sexes of two sylvatic and domestic genotypes of Rhodnius to buffer these stress conditions. However, both species showed non-significant differences in the levels of FA between treatments that simulated sylvan vs domestic conditions, indicating that the developmental noise did not explain the variation in wing size and shape found in previous studies. Thus, this result confirm that the variation in wing size and shape in response to treatments constitute a plastic response of these genotypes to population density and feeding frequency.

Ecotope effect in Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) suggests phenotypic plasticity rather than adaptation

Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is an important vector of Chagas' disease in both sylvatic and peridomestic ecotopes. Discriminating between these populations of Triatominae has been proposed as a means of investigating re-infestation rates of human dwellings. Geometric morphometrics have been widely applied in the study of Triatominae polymorphisms at species and population levels. This study characterizes morphometric differences between sylvatic and peridomestic populations, as well as between sexes in T. brasiliensis specimens from Jaguaruana, Ceará, in northeastern Brazil. No differences in either the shape or size of the cephalic capsule were apparent between sexes or ecotopes. However, the wings showed differentiation in shape and size. Sexual dimorphism was detected, with females presenting significantly higher values and conformations. Size differentiation was also evident, with sylvatic specimens being generally larger than peridomestic examples. These results indicate that differences in the wings of T. brasiliensis may be related to the existence of phenotypic plasticity, and variations in size and shape may be associated with different ecotopes, possibly as a result of conditions in each micro-habitat, such as temperature, relative humidity, food supply and density.

Microgeographic spatial structuring of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations using wing geometric morphometry in the Argentine Chaco

We investigated the occurrence of spatial structuring in Triatoma infestans (KLug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations 12 yr after the last community-wide insecticide spraying campaign in rural Pampa del Indio, in the Gran Chaco of northeastern Argentina. In total, 172 male and 149 female right wings collected at 16 georeferenced sites with at least 10 individuals of the same sex were analyzed using geometric morphometry. Mean female body length and wing centroid size (CS) were significantly larger than for males. Log-transformed CS and length were significantly and positively correlated both for males and females. Males collected in domiciles had significantly smaller CS than those collected in peridomestic structures both closed (kitchens or storerooms) or open (chicken coops), in agreement with our previous results elsewhere in the dry Argentine Chaco. Female wing CS was not significantly different between ecotopes. Wing shape analyses showed the occurrence of significant geographic structuring in males and females combined and in males only. Male wings showed a strong association between Mahalanobis distance and geographic distance. In general, Mahalanobis distances were significantly different between collection sites located > 4 km apart. For collection sites located < 4 km apart, the greater the geographic distance the larger the difference in wing shape variables. Among females, only a partial correspondence between geographic groups and Mahalanobis distances was recorded. The strong spatial structuring found in T. infestans populations may be useful for the identification of putative reinfestation sources after vector control interventions.

Effects of rearing density, age, sex, and food deprivation on flight initiation of the red flour beetle (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

Effects of rearing density, adult density and sex ratio in the flight chamber, adult age, sex, presence or absence of food, and duration of food deprivation on rate of and time to flight initiation of the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae), were studied in the laboratory. Rates of flight initiation were slightly lower at lower rearing densities, but they did not differ with age or sex of adults, presence or absence of food in the flight chamber, or duration of food deprivation. Focal adults were less likely to fly when individuals of the opposite sex were present in flight chambers. Presence of the same sex or mixed sexes and numbers of individuals in flight chambers did not affect tendency to fly of focal individuals. Mean time to flight of older beetles (7-20 d old) was less than that of younger beetles (1-4 d old). No young beetles flew during the first 24 h of flight tests. Mean time to flight did not differ with rearing density, sex, presence or absence of food, or duration of food deprivation. Our results indicate that this species is highly dispersive during the adult stage and that flight does not seem to be associated with just prereproductive or postreproductive dispersal phases, high rearing density, or short to medium periods of food deprivation. Therefore, T. castaneum level of flight activity does not seem to be associated with factors that have been shown in the literature to increase dispersal by walking for this species and to increase flight initiation in other stored-product species.

Phenotypic variability and population structure of peridomestic Triatoma infestans in rural areas of the arid Chaco (Western Argentina): spatial influence of macro- and microhabitats

Triatoma infestans, one of the main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, is strongly associated with rural human ecotopes. Infested peridomestic places could act as a source of house infestation as a result of the movement of vectors among habitats. The quantitative study of phenotypic traits and nutritional variables could be informative about the population structure and the relative mobility of vectors. This is the first approach toward analyzing the phenetic characteristics of T. infestans and the relationship with their potential role to invade and colonize other habitats in the arid Chaco region. This article compares the phenotypic structure of T. infestans populations living in chicken coops and goat corrals, analyzing the geometric morphometry of wings and heads, antennal phenotypes, and the nutritional status of 257 adults and nymphs. The study area remained untreated with insecticides during the 15 years before the present study. The insects collected in peridomestic structures located in two zones 80 km apart exhibited significant differences in their morphotypes, suggesting an environmental effect and/or the absence of individual exchange between zones. The population structure was clear in T. infestans from goat corrals and chicken coops in one zone and less pronounced in the other. These results suggest the existence of a different rate of individual exchange among ecotopes within each zone. Morphometric variables of heads and wings were significantly correlated in insects collected in goat corrals but not in chicken coops, suggesting a habitat effect and supporting the hypothesis of different canalization forces that affect the two organs. The nutritional status of adults indicated a low dispersal probability with zonal differences. This article provides the first combined morphometric analysis of the head of adults and fifth instar nymphs in triatomines and the first combined analysis of head and wing in T. infestans.

Characterization of the dispersal of non-domiciliated Triatoma dimidiata through the selection of spatially explicit models

Background

Chagas disease is a major parasitic disease in Latin America, prevented in part by vector control programs that reduce domestic populations of triatomines. However, the design of control strategies adapted to non-domiciliated vectors, such as Triatoma dimidiata, remains a challenge because it requires an accurate description of their spatio-temporal distributions, and a proper understanding of the underlying dispersal processes.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We combined extensive spatio-temporal data sets describing house infestation dynamics by T. dimidiata within a village, and spatially explicit population dynamics models in a selection model approach. Several models were implemented to provide theoretical predictions under different hypotheses on the origin of the dispersers and their dispersal characteristics, which we compared with the spatio-temporal pattern of infestation observed in the field. The best models fitted the dynamic of infestation described by a one year time-series, and also predicted with a very good accuracy the infestation process observed during a second replicate one year time-series. The parameterized models gave key insights into the dispersal of these vectors. i) About 55% of the triatomines infesting houses came from the peridomestic habitat, the rest corresponding to immigration from the sylvatic habitat, ii) dispersing triatomines were 5–15 times more attracted by houses than by peridomestic area, and iii) the moving individuals spread on average over rather small distances, typically 40–60 m/15 days.

Conclusion/Significance

Since these dispersal characteristics are associated with much higher abundance of insects in the periphery of the village, we discuss the possibility that spatially targeted interventions allow for optimizing the efficacy of vector control activities within villages. Such optimization could prove very useful in the context of limited resources devoted to vector control.

Chagas disease is one of the most important neglected diseases in Latin America. Although insecticides have been successfully sprayed to control domiciliated vector populations, this strategy has proven to be ineffective in areas where non-domiciliated vectors immigrating from peridomestic or sylvatic ecotopes can (re-)infest houses. The development of strategies for the control of non-domiciliated vectors has thus been identified by the World Health Organization as a major challenge. Such development primarily requires a description of the spatio-temporal dynamics of infestation by these vectors, and a good understanding of their dispersal. We combined for the first time extensive spatio-temporal data sets describing house infestation dynamics by Triatoma dimidiata inside one village, and spatially explicit population dynamics models. The models fitted and predicted remarkably the observed infestation dynamics. They thus provided both key insights into the dispersal of T. dimidiata in this area, and a suitable mathematical background to evaluate the efficacy of various control strategies. Interestingly, the observed and modelled patterns of infestation suggest that interventions could focus on the periphery of the village, where there is the highest risk of transmission. Such spatial optimization may allow for reducing the cost of control, compensating for repeated interventions necessary for non-domiciliated vectors.

Flight initiation by male Rhodnius prolixus is promoted by female odors

Several triatomine bug species utilize chemical cues for sexual communication. We tested whether female or male Rhodnius prolixus, a vector of Chagas disease, produce volatile chemicals that elicit flight responses from conspecifics, and then isolated the source of the chemical. Males confronted with an airstream containing female odors showed a significantly greater take-off frequency compared to a blank airstream or an airstream with male odors. In contrast, females exhibited similar take-off frequencies to male or female odor as to a clean airstream. Occlusion of female metasternal glands with paraffin wax resulted in a significant decrease in male take-off frequency compared to that of intact females. Additionally, excised female metasternal glands elicited a similar take-off frequency from males as did intact females, both significantly greater than the take-off frequency to clean air. These results show that R. prolixus females release a pheromone from their metasternal glands that causes upwind flight in conspecific males.

Rational spatio-temporal strategies for controlling a Chagas disease vector in urban environments

The rational design of interventions is critical to controlling communicable diseases, especially in urban environments. In the case of the Chagas disease vector Triatoma infestans, successful control is stymied by the return of the insect after the effectiveness of the insecticide wanes. Here, we adapt a genetic algorithm, originally developed for the travelling salesman problem, to improve the spatio-temporal design of insecticide campaigns against T. infestans, in a complex urban environment. We find a strategy that reduces the expected instances of vector return 34-fold compared with the current strategy of sequential insecticide application to spatially contiguous communities. The relative success of alternative control strategies depends upon the duration of the effectiveness of the insecticide, and it shows chaotic fluctuations in response to unforeseen delays in a control campaign. We use simplified models to analyse the outcomes of qualitatively different spatio-temporal strategies. Our results provide a detailed procedure to improve control efforts for an urban Chagas disease vector, as well as general guidelines for improving the design of interventions against other disease agents in complex environments.

Temporal dynamics of flight muscle development in Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Triatoma infestans Klug is dimorphic for flight muscles. This dimorphism may affect flight dispersal, reinfestation patterns, and transmission risk. To understand the contributions of genes and environment to morph determination, it is first necessary to characterize the temporal dynamics of flight muscle development. Field-collected T. infestans adults were dissected 20 or 100 d after collection, and those collected as nymphs were dissected at approximately 4, 15, or 44 d after the imaginal molt. The occurrence of flight muscles was additionally assessed by minimally invasive, repeated observations through the scutum of live bugs. Overall, 33.5% of 179 males and 7.8% of 179 females had no flight muscles. Neither dissections nor repeated observations evidenced changes in morph type during adult life, suggesting that the occurrence of flight muscles is mostly irreversible within the time span of observations and is determined before or during final ecdysis. Flight muscles were detectable at 4 d after emergence and achieved complete development within 4-15 d after emergence. The repeated observation of thoracic contents through the scutum showed very high sensitivity and specificity and apparently had minor effects on mortality. In another bug population located 360 km away, 16.4% of 177 males and 6.7% of 149 females had no flight muscles. Current results show that the sex-biased flight muscle dimorphism is a regionally widespread character in T. infestans. This character should be considered in field population studies that seek to measure reinfestation risk and dispersal in T. infestans and other Triatominae.

Temporal variations of wing size and shape of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations from northwestern Argentina using geometric morphometry

Wing geometric morphometry of Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) populations in northwestern Argentina showed that individual collection sites represent the discrete unit where metric differentiation took place. Here we studied temporal variations in wing size and shape of T. infestans populations from defined capture sites on three occasions between 2000 and 2003. Bugs collected from domiciles and/or storerooms had significantly larger right-wing centroid size than bugs collected at goat and/or pig corrals by the end of summer 2000 for both sexes. Conversely, male bugs collected from domiciles and/or storerooms had significantly smaller centroid size than bugs collected from pig corrals in spring 2002. The inversion in wing centroid size between seasons was consistent between sexes. Wing shape analysis from the south-central extreme of the study village showed divergence between collection dates for both sexes. Wing shape divergence was highly significant between male bugs collected by the end of summer 2000 and those collected in spring 2002 and by the end of summer 2003. For females, wing shape divergence was marginally significant between the end of summer 2000 and spring 2002, and significant between spring 2002 and the end of summer 2003. Unlike season-related variations in wing centroid size, shape differentiation was related to the time period elapsed between sample collections and suggested genetic influences acting on shape. Simultaneous consideration of wing size and shape provided complementary information on the direction and timing of bug dispersal. Morphological studies may allow determining the degree of relatedness of different bug populations and to associate morphological heterogeneity with temporal patterns of reinfestation.

Variations in sex ratio, feeding, and fecundity of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) among habitats in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Chagas' disease is a major public health concern in most Latin American countries and its prevention is based on insect vector control. Previous work showed that in the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico, houses are transiently infested by adult Triatoma dimidiata, which then fail to establish sustained colonies. The present study was designed to evaluate the seasonality and possible causes of the dispersal of sylvatic T. dimidiata toward the houses and the subsequent failure of colonization. Dispersal was highly seasonal and correlated with temperature, pressure, and wind speed. Analysis of sex ratio, feeding status, and fecundity of sylvatic populations of T. dimidiata indicated a rather low feeding status and low potential fecundity, suggesting that seasonal dispersal may be associated with foraging for better conditions. Also, feeding status and potential fecundity tended to improve in the domestic habitat but remained largely suboptimal, suggesting that these factors may contribute to the ineffective colonization of this habitat.

Spatial re-establishment dynamics of local populations of vectors of Chagas disease

Background

Prevention of Chagas disease depends mainly on control of the insect vectors that transmit infection. Unfortunately, the vectors have been resurgent in some areas. It is important to understand the dynamics of reinfestation where it occurs. Here we show how continuous- and discrete-time models fitted to patch-level infestation states can elucidate different aspects of re-establishment. Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Chagas disease, reinfested sites in three villages in northwest Argentina after community-wide insecticide spraying in October 1992.

Methodology/Principal Findings

Different methods of estimating the probabilities of bug establishment on each site were compared. The results confirmed previous results showing a 6-month time lag between detection of a new infestation and dispersal events. The analysis showed that more new bug populations become established from May to November than from November to May. This seasonal increase in bug establishment coincides with a seasonal increase in dispersal distance. In the fitted models, the probability of new bug establishment increases with increasing time since last detected infestation.

Conclusions/Significance

These effects of season and previous infestation on bug establishment challenge our current understanding of T. infestans ecology and highlight important gaps in knowledge. Experiments necessary to close these gaps are discussed.

Chagas disease is transmitted by blood-sucking bugs (vectors) and presents a severe public health threat in the Americas. Worldwide there are approximately 10 million people infected with Chagas disease, a disease for which there is currently no effective cure. Vector suppression is the main strategy to control the spread of this disease. Unfortunately, the vectors have been resurgent in some areas. It is important to understand the dynamics of reinfestation where it occurs. Here we show how different models fitted to patch-level bug infestation data can elucidate different aspects of re-establishment dynamics. Our results demonstrated a 6-month time lag between detection of a new infestation and dispersal events, seasonality in dispersal rates and effects of previous vector infestation on subsequent vector establishment rates. In addition we provide estimates of dispersal distances and the effect of insecticide spraying on rates of vector re-establishment. While some of our results confirm previous findings, the effects of season and previous infestation on bug establishment challenge our current understanding of T. infestans ecology and highlight important gaps in our knowledge of T. infestans dispersal.

Genetic structure of Triatoma infestans populations in rural communities of Santiago del Estero, northern Argentina

To gain an understanding of the genetic structure and dispersal dynamics of Triatoma infestans populations, we analyzed the multilocus genotype of 10 microsatellite loci for 352 T. infestans collected in 21 houses of 11 rural communities in October 2002. Genetic structure was analyzed at the community and house compound levels. Analysis revealed that vector control actions affected the genetic structure of T. infestans populations. Bug populations from communities under sustained vector control (core area) were highly structured and genetic differentiation between neighboring house compounds was significant. In contrast, bug populations from communities with sporadic vector control actions were more homogeneous and lacked defined genetic clusters. Genetic differentiation between population pairs did not fit a model of isolation by distance at the microgeographical level. Evidence consistent with flight or walking bug dispersal was detected within and among communities, dispersal was more female-biased in the core area and results suggested that houses received immigrants from more than one source. Putative sources and mechanisms of re-infestation are described. These data may be use to design improved vector control strategies.

Active dispersal by wild Triatoma infestans in the Bolivian Andes

Triatoma infestans is the main vector of Chagas disease and target of control programmes in the Southern Cone countries. So far Bolivia is the only country where true T. infestans wild foci are documented. The dispersal ability for wild T. infestans was studied at microgeographical scale in Bolivian Andes, to assess the possibility for wild populations to actively recolonize insecticide-treated villages. Nine microsatellite loci were used to detect the extent of gene flow between neighbouring collecting sites. The detection of restricted gene flow between close but distinct sylvatic sites supports the hypothesis that wild T. infestans does not disperse by flying at high altitude (2,750 m asl). It gradually disperses over small distances by walking within a 'patch' of continuous land cover. The genetic differentiation detected between sylvatic and domestic populations suggests a limited short-term role of wild insects in the process of recolonization of insecticide-treated houses in the Andes.

Flight muscle dimorphism and heterogeneity in flight initiation of field-collected Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Recent experiments demonstrated that most field-collected Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) adults from northern Argentina either never initiated flight or did so repeatedly in both sexes. This pattern could not be explained by sex, adult age, weight, weight-to-length ratio (W/L), or chance. We examined whether bugs that never initiated flight possessed developed flight muscles, and whether flight muscle mass relative to total body mass (FMR) was related to the probability of flight initiation. Approximately half of the adults that never initiated flight had no flight muscles. The absence of flight muscles was 2.4 times more frequent in males than females. Females had significantly larger flight muscle mass than males. For both sexes, the frequency of bugs with no flight muscles was spatially heterogeneous among individual collection sites. A logistic regression model of flight initiation that included both FMR and W/L provided abetter fit than models including either one of these predictors. FMR is a novel predictor of flight initiation in Triatominae, with a stronger effect than W/L. The higher frequency of females initiating flight in our experiments may be explained by females having flight muscles more frequently than males, and having FMR and W/L values more suitable for flying. These findings demonstrate that individuals and natural populations of T. infestans can differ dramatically with regard to flight initiation.

Seasonal variations in active dispersal of natural populations of Triatoma infestans in rural north-western Argentina

The flight dispersal of Triatoma infestans Klug (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is one of the main mechanisms determining community re-infestation after control interventions. An empirical model of flight initiation coupled with data from a longitudinal study predicted that the flight dispersal of T. infestans would peak in summer. To test this prediction, longitudinal light trap collections were conducted during 3-8 nights in March (late summer), July (winter) and November (spring) 2003, and in March 2004 in a rural community in north-west Argentina. Following each light-trapping collection date, all peridomestic sites around light traps were inspected to assess the relative abundance and nutritional status of T. infestans at each site. A total of 21 adult and five nymph T. infestans, six Triatoma guasayana Wygodzinsky & Abalos, and nine Triatoma garciabesi Carcavallo et al. were collected in 96 light-trapping nights, whereas 696 T. infestans were collected from the peridomestic sites that surrounded the light traps. The arrival of T. infestans in the light traps occurred in 64% of catch stations and peaked in the summer surveys (10-14 bugs) compared with spring and winter surveys. When winds were < 5 km/h, the arrival of adult T. infestans at the light traps was significantly associated with maximum temperature and relative humidity. This is the first field report of seasonal variations in the flight dispersal activity of T. infestans.