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Depickère S, Villacís AG, Santillán-Guayasamín S, Callapa Rafael JE, Brenière SF, Revollo Zepita S. Rhodnius (Stål, 1859) (Hemiptera, Triatominae) genus in Bolivian Amazonia: a risk for human populations? PARASITES & VECTORS 2022; 15:307. [PMID: 36038947 PMCID: PMC9426019 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05423-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Chagas disease, one of the most important neglected tropical diseases in the countries of Latin America, is considered to be a particularly important public health concern in the Amazon region due to increases in the number of outbreaks of acute Chagas disease and increased local transmission in the last 20 years. However, relative to other countries, in Bolivia there is little information available on its transmission in the Amazon region. The aim of this study was to investigate the infestation of palm trees, the main habitat of Triatominae in the region, in several localities, to evaluate the danger they represent to inhabitants. Methods Triatominae were collected using live bait traps left overnight in six localities in Pando and Beni Departments, Bolivia. DNA extraction and sequencing were used to establish the Triatominae species (Cytb, 16S and 28S-D2 gene fragments), and the blood meal sources (Cytb fragment). Trypanosoma sp. infection was analyzed by sequencing gene fragments (GPX, GPI, HMCOAR, LAP, PDH and COII) or by mini-exon multiplex PCR. Results A total of 325 Rhodnius were captured (97.3% of nymphs) from the 1200 traps placed in 238 palm trees and 32 burrows/ground holes. Sequence analyses on DNA extracted from 114 insects and phylogeny analysis identified two triatomine species: Rhodnius stali (17%) and Rhodnius montenegrensis (equated to Rhodnius robustus II, 83%). These were found in palm trees of the genera Attalea (69%), Astrocaryum (13%), Copernicia (12%), Euterpe (2%) and Acrocomia (1%). The infection rate was around 30% (165 analyzed insects), with 90% of analyzed insects infected by Trypanosoma cruzi (only the TcI discrete typing unit was detected), 3% infected by Trypanosoma rangeli (first time found in Bolivian Triatominae) and 7% infected by mixed T. cruzi (TcI)-T. rangeli. Rhodnius specimens fed on Didelphidae, rodents, gecko and humans. Conclusions The results of this study highlight the epidemiological importance of Rhodnius in the Bolivian Amazon region. The huge geographical distribution of Rhodnius and their proximity to the human dwellings, high infection rate and frequent meals on the human population highlight a risk of transmission of Chagas disease in the region. Graphical Abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05423-3.
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Busselman RE, Hamer SA. Chagas Disease Ecology in the United States: Recent Advances in Understanding Trypanosoma cruzi Transmission Among Triatomines, Wildlife, and Domestic Animals and a Quantitative Synthesis of Vector-Host Interactions. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2021; 10:325-348. [PMID: 34758274 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-013120-043949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease present in the Americas, is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi and is transmitted by triatomine kissing bug vectors. Hundreds of vertebrate host species are involved in the ecology of Chagas disease. The sylvatic nature of most triatomines found in the United States accounts for high levels of animal infections but few reports of human infections. This review focuses on triatomine distributions and animal infections in the southern United States. A quantitative synthesis of available US data from triatomine bloodmeal analysis studies shows that dogs, humans, and rodents are key taxa for feeding triatomines. Imperfect and unvalidated diagnostic tools in wildlife complicate the study of animal T. cruzi infections, and integrated vector management approaches are needed to reduce parasite transmission in nature. The diversity of animal species involved in Chagas disease ecology underscores the importance of a One Health approach for disease research and management. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Animal Biosciences, Volume 10 is February 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E Busselman
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA;
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Krupa E, Gréhal AL, Esnault J, Bender C, Mathieu B. Laboratory Evaluation of Flight Capacities of Aedes japonicus (Diptera: Culicidae) Using a Flight Mill Device. JOURNAL OF INSECT SCIENCE (ONLINE) 2021; 21:6449198. [PMID: 34865033 PMCID: PMC8643834 DOI: 10.1093/jisesa/ieab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Dispersion expands the distribution of invasive species and as such, it is a key factor of the colonization process. Aedes japonicus japonicus (Theobald, 1901) is an invasive species of mosquito and a vector of various viruses. It was detected in the northeast of France in 2014. The population of this species can expand its distribution by several kilometers per year. However, though flight capacities play an active part in the dispersion of Ae. japonicus, they remain unknown for this species. In this study, we investigated the flight capacities of Ae. japonicus in a laboratory setting using the flight mill technique. We evaluated the influence of age on flight. We recorded videos of individual flights with a camera mounted on Raspberry Pi. We extracted data on distance, duration, and speed of flight using the Toxtrac and Boris software. Our analysis showed a median flight distance of 438 m with a maximum of 11,466 m. Strong flyers, which represented 10% of the females tested, flew more than 6,115 m during 4 h and 28 min at a speed of 1.7 km per h. As suspected, Ae. japonicus is a stronger flyer than the other invasive species Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae). To our knowledge, this is the first flight mill study conducted on Ae. japonicus and therefore the first evaluation of its flight capacity. In the future, the flight propensity of Ae. japonicus determined in this study can be included as a parameter to model the colonization process of this invasive vector species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Krupa
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Alexa-Lou Gréhal
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérémy Esnault
- Syndicat de Lutte contre les Moustiques du Bas-Rhin (SLM67), F-67630, Lauterbourg, France
| | - Christelle Bender
- Syndicat de Lutte contre les Moustiques du Bas-Rhin (SLM67), F-67630, Lauterbourg, France
| | - Bruno Mathieu
- Institut de Parasitologie et Pathologie Tropicale, UR7292 Dynamique des interactions hôte pathogène, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000, Strasbourg, France
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Schaub GA. An Update on the Knowledge of Parasite-Vector Interactions of Chagas Disease. Res Rep Trop Med 2021; 12:63-76. [PMID: 34093053 PMCID: PMC8169816 DOI: 10.2147/rrtm.s274681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focusses on the interactions between the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, Trypanosoma cruzi, and its triatomine vector. The flagellate mainly colonizes the intestinal tract of the insect. The effect of triatomines on trypanosomes is indicated by susceptibility and refractoriness phenomena that vary according to the combination of the strains. Other effects are apparent in the different regions of the gut. In the stomach, the majority of ingested blood trypomastigotes are killed while the remaining transform to round stages. In the small intestine, these develop into epimastigotes, the main replicative stage. In the rectum, the population density is the highest and is where the infectious stage develops, the metacyclic trypomastigote. In all regions of the gut, starvation and feeding of the triatomine affect T. cruzi. In the small intestine and rectum, starvation reduces the population density and more spheromastigotes develop. In the rectum, feeding after short-term starvation induces metacyclogenesis and after long-term starvation the development of specific cells, containing several nuclei, kinetoplasts and flagella. When considering the effects of T. cruzi on triatomines, the flagellate seems to be of low pathogenicity. However, during stressful periods, which are normal in natural populations, effects occur often on the behaviour, eg, in readiness to approach the host, the period of time before defecation, dispersal and aggregation. In nymphs, the duration of the different instars and the mortality rates increase, but this seems to be induced by repeated infections or blood quality by the feeding on infected hosts. Starvation resistance is often reduced by infection. Longevity and reproduction of adults is reduced, but only after infection with some strains of T. cruzi. Only components of the surface coat of blood trypomastigotes induce an immune reaction. However, this seems to act against gut bacteria and favours the development of T. cruzi.
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Affiliation(s)
- Günter A Schaub
- Zoology/Parasitology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Mertzlufft CE, Madden M, Gottdenker NL, Velásquez Runk J, Saldaña A, Tanner S, Calzada JE, Yao X. Landscape disturbance impacts on Attalea butyracea palm distribution in central Panama. Int J Health Geogr 2020; 19:58. [PMID: 33298058 PMCID: PMC7724708 DOI: 10.1186/s12942-020-00244-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increased Attalea butyracea palm propagation, notable for its role as key habitat for the primary Chagas disease vector in Panama, has been linked to landscape disturbance in single-palm observations in this region. Close proximity of these palms to human dwellings is proposed to increase risk of Chagas disease transmission from sylvatic transmission cycles to domestic transmission involving human populations. This study examines the relationship between landscape disturbance and mature A. butyracea spatial distribution, density, and proximity to human populations and vector and reservoir species' movement corridors at a regional scale in a 300 km2 heterogeneous tropical landscape in central Panama. METHODS We remotely identified the locations of over 50,000 mature A. butyracea palms using high-resolution WorldView2 satellite imagery. A local Getis-Ord Gi* spatial analysis identified significant clusters of aggregated palms. Associations between palm and cluster abundance and a landscape disturbance gradient, derived from official Panama land cover data, were tested using Chi-square tests for Homogeneity and Z-test for proportions. Kruskall-Wallis non-parametric analysis of variance tests were run to assess whether palm cluster area varied by disturbance level, or whether disturbance was associated with proximity of palms and palm clusters to susceptible populations or vector movement corridors. RESULTS Our findings indicate a regional relationship between landscape disturbance and A. butyracea occurrence. We observe a significant increase in both individual and clustered A. butyracea in secondary forest, but a reduction of palms in agricultural settings. We do not detect evidence of any reduction in abundance of palms in residential settings. The majority of residential and commercial buildings in our study area are within vector flight distance of potential vector habitat in palm crowns. CONCLUSIONS We observe probable anthropogenic elimination of A. butyracea palms in agricultural, but not residential, settings. Even in heavily deforested regions, significant concentrations of mature palms remain in close proximity to human establishments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin E Mertzlufft
- Geospatial Research, Analysis, and Services Program, U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Susan Tanner
- Department of Anthropology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | | | - Xiaobai Yao
- Department of Geography, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Calderón JM, Fuya P, Santacoloma L, González C. Deltamethrin resistance in Chagas disease vectors colonizing oil palm plantations: implications for vector control strategies in a public health-agriculture interface. Parasit Vectors 2020; 13:163. [PMID: 32245509 PMCID: PMC7118854 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-020-04048-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triatomine bugs are responsible for the vectorial transmission of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, etiological agent of Chagas disease, a zoonosis affecting 10 million people and with 25 million at risk of infection. Several triatomine species of the genus Rhodnius have been found inhabiting palm crowns where insects can find shelter in leaves axils and blood from palm-associated vertebrates. Rhodnius prolixus insects have been collected in oil palms in Colombia, and high T. cruzi infection rates were found. Since pest control is carried out in oil palm plantations, continuous exposure to insecticides could be occurring in these triatomines. Some insecticides suggested for pest control in oil palm plantations are also recommended for triatomine control in human dwellings. In this study, our objective was to assess if triatomines inhabiting oil palms exhibit resistance to deltamethrin, an insecticide used for vector control. Methods Rhodnius prolixus nymphs were sampled in oil palms located in Tauramena, Colombia. To determine deltamethrin resistance, biological and biochemical assays were carried out on fifth-instar nymphs from the F1 generation. For biological assays, pure and commercial deltamethrin were used, and in biochemical assays, activities of detoxifying enzymes related to pyrethroid resistance, such as oxidases, esterases and transferases, were quantified. Results Deltamethrin lethal dosage 50 and 90 in R. prolixus from oil palms was significantly higher than in those from a susceptible colony suggesting possible deltamethrin resistance. Moreover, mortality with commercial deltamethrin was very low in insects from oil palms. In biochemical assays, the activity of evaluated detoxifying enzymes was significantly higher in R. prolixus from oil palms than in those from the susceptible colony. Conclusions Possible deltamethrin resistance found in R. prolixus insects from oil palms could threaten traditional vector control strategies in urban settings if insecticide-resistant triatomines can migrate from oil palms plantations. In palm oil producer countries such as Colombia, the oil palm plantations are growing constantly during the last years. We suggest that pest control strategies in oil palm crops should include triatomine surveillance and toxicological monitoring, especially in zones with several Chagas disease cases.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan M Calderón
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá D.C., Colombia.
| | - Patricia Fuya
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Liliana Santacoloma
- Laboratorio de Entomología, Instituto Nacional de Salud, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
| | - Camila González
- Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiología y Parasitología Tropical (CIMPAT), Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Bogotá D.C., Colombia
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Depickère S, Ramírez-Ávila GM, Deneubourg JL. Alteration of the aggregation and spatial organization of the vector of Chagas disease, Triatoma infestans, by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17432. [PMID: 31758071 PMCID: PMC6874570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-53966-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Triatominae insects are vectors of the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease affecting millions of people in Latin America. Some species, such as Triatoma infestans, live in the human neighborhood, aggregating in walls or roof cracks during the day and going out to feed blood at night. The comprehension of how sex and T. cruzi infection affect their aggregation and geotaxis is essential for understanding their spatial organization and the parasite dispersion. Experiments in laboratory-controlled conditions were carried out with groups of ten adults of T. infestans able to explore and aggregate on a vertical surface. The influence of the sex (male vs. female) and the proportion of infected insects in the group were tested (100% of infected insects vs. a small proportion of infected insects, named infected and potentially weakly infected groups, respectively). Therefore, four distinct groups of insects were tested: infected males, infected females, potentially weakly infected males, and potentially weakly infected females, with 12, 9, 15, and 16 replicates, respectively. The insects presented a high negative geotaxis and a strong aggregation behavior whatever the sex or their infection. After an exploration phase, these behaviors were stable in time. The insects exhibited a preferential vertical position, head toward the top of the setup. Males had a higher negative geotaxis and a higher aggregation level than females. Both behaviors were enhanced in groups of 100% infected insects, the difference between sexes being maintained. According to a comparison between experimental and theoretical results, geotaxis favors the aggregation that mainly results from the inter-attraction between individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Depickère
- Laboratorio Entomología Médica, INLASA, La Paz, Bolivia. .,Instituto de Investigaciones Físicas, Universidad Mayor de San Andrés, La Paz, Bolivia. .,The Abdus Salam, International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP), Trieste, Italy.
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Curtis-Robles R, Meyers AC, Auckland LD, Zecca IB, Skiles R, Hamer SA. Parasitic interactions among Trypanosoma cruzi, triatomine vectors, domestic animals, and wildlife in Big Bend National Park along the Texas-Mexico border. Acta Trop 2018; 188:225-233. [PMID: 30205082 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
National parks attract millions of visitors each year. Park visitors, employees, and pets are at risk of infection with various zoonotic pathogens, including Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease. Big Bend National Park is located along the Texas-Mexico border in a region with endemic triatomine insects- vectors of T. cruzi- yet the degree to which the parasite is transmitted in this region is unknown. We collected triatomines for T. cruzi detection and discrete typing unit (DTU) determination, and conducted blood meal analyses to determine recent hosts. As an index of domestic/peridomestic transmission, we tested residential dogs in the Park for exposure to T. cruzi. From 2015 to 2017, 461 triatomines of three species-Triatoma rubida, Triatoma gerstaeckeri, and Triatoma protracta-were collected in and around the Park. Adult triatomine encounters peaked in June of each year (52.8% of collections). We detected an overall infection prevalence of 23.1% in adult triatomines (n = 320) and 4.2% in nymph triatomines (n = 24). DTU TcI was the only T. cruzi strain detected. Of 89 triatomines subjected to blood meal analyses, vertebrate host DNA was successfully amplified from 42 (47.2%); blood meal sources included humans, domestic animals, and avian and mammalian wildlife species. Tested dogs were considered positive if reactive on at least two independent serologic assays; we found 28.6% seroprevalence in 14 dogs. These findings reveal interactions between infected triatomines, humans, dogs, and wildlife in and around Big Bend National Park, with potential risk of human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Alyssa C Meyers
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Lisa D Auckland
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Italo B Zecca
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Raymond Skiles
- Big Bend National Park, P.O. Box 129, Big Bend National Park, TX 79834, USA.
| | - Sarah A Hamer
- College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4458 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Curtis-Robles R, Hamer SA, Lane S, Levy MZ, Hamer GL. Bionomics and Spatial Distribution of Triatomine Vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Texas and Other Southern States, USA. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2018; 98:113-121. [PMID: 29141765 PMCID: PMC5928729 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.17-0526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Curtis-Robles
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sarah A. Hamer
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Sage Lane
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College Station, Texas
| | - Michael Z. Levy
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gabriel L. Hamer
- Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Rodriguez IG, Loaiza JR. American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, in Panama: a chronological synopsis of ecological and epidemiological research. Parasit Vectors 2017; 10:459. [PMID: 29017584 PMCID: PMC5634828 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-017-2380-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas disease, is a growing public health problem in Panama, and further forest degradation due to human population growth is expected to worsen the situation. Most people infected with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi are silently ill, and their life expectancy is severely compromised, which contributes to further deterioration of living conditions in endemic regions. Here, we review the outcomes of nearly 100 years of ecological and epidemiological investigation about Chagas disease in Panama, in an attempt to highlight progress, identify needs, and re-orient future efforts. Rhodnius pallescens and Triatoma dimidiata are both primary vectors of T. cruzi in Panama, but R. pallescens seems more efficient in human-altered forest ecosystems due to a greater degree of association with Attalea butyracea. In contrast, T. dimidiata transmits T. cruzi efficiently under more sylvatic conditions (e.g. settlements inside old-growth or secondary forest patches), where its populations reach considerable numbers irrespective of the absence of A. butyracea. A trend of increasing forest degradation, suburbanization, and development of tourism in Panama favoring the establishment of A. butyracea and other palm tree species (Acrocomia sp.) suggests that a colonist species like R. pallescens will continue to play a more prominent role in the transmission of T. cruzi than a forest specialist like T. dimidiata. However, studies about the taxonomic status and ecology of these vectors are still needed in Panama to address their transmission potential fully. The implementation of an active surveillance system and education programs could greatly minimize the risk of Chagas disease transmission in Panama, preventing fatal infections in children from endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indra G Rodriguez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas & Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, República de Panamá.,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Jose R Loaiza
- Instituto de Investigaciones Científicas & Servicios de Alta Tecnología, Ciudad del Saber, República de Panamá. .,Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa Ancón, Republic of Panama. .,Programa Centroamericano de Maestría en Entomología, Universidad de Panamá, Panamá, República de Panamá.
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Prediction and Prevention of Parasitic Diseases Using a Landscape Genomics Framework. Trends Parasitol 2016; 33:264-275. [PMID: 27863902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2016.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2016] [Revised: 09/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Substantial heterogeneity exists in the dispersal, distribution and transmission of parasitic species. Understanding and predicting how such features are governed by the ecological variation of landscape they inhabit is the central goal of spatial epidemiology. Genetic data can further inform functional connectivity among parasite, host and vector populations in a landscape. Gene flow correlates with the spread of epidemiologically relevant phenotypes among parasite and vector populations (e.g., virulence, drug and pesticide resistance), as well as invasion and re-invasion risk where parasite transmission is absent due to current or past intervention measures. However, the formal integration of spatial and genetic data ('landscape genetics') is scarcely ever applied to parasites. Here, we discuss the specific challenges and practical prospects for the use of landscape genetics and genomics to understand the biology and control of parasitic disease and present a practical framework for doing so.
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Sivakoff FS, Jones SC, Machtley SA, Hagler JR. Protein Self-Marking by Ectoparasites: A Case Study Using Bed Bugs (Hemiptera: Cimicidae). JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2016; 53:1370-1377. [PMID: 27493250 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The ability to mark individuals is a critical feature of many entomological investigations, including dispersal studies. Insect dispersal is generally investigated using mark-release-recapture techniques, whereby marked individuals are released at a known location and then captured at a measured distance. Ectoparasite dispersal has historically been challenging to study, in part because of the ethical concerns associated with releasing marked individuals. Here, we introduce the protein self-marking technique, whereby ectoparasites mark themselves in the field by feeding on the blood of an introduced host. We demonstrate the potential of this technique using laboratory-reared bed bugs (Cimex lectularius L.) that marked themselves by feeding on either rabbit or chicken blood. We then used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect host-specific blood serum proteins in bed bugs. We assessed these protein markers' ability to 1) distinctively identify marked individuals, 2) persist following multiple feedings on an alternate diet, 3) persist over time across a range of temperatures, and 4) transfer from marked to unmarked individuals. Protein markers were detectable in bed bugs before and after molting, remained detectible after multiple feedings on an alternate diet, persisted regardless of whether an individual was starved or fed on an alternate diet following original mark acquisition, and did not transfer between individuals. The duration of detectability depended on temperature. Our results suggest that protein self-marking is an effective technique for marking bed bugs and holds promise for use in dispersal studies of ectoparasitic insects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frances S Sivakoff
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Rothenbuhler Research Lab, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210 (; )
| | - Susan C Jones
- Department of Entomology, The Ohio State University, Rothenbuhler Research Lab, 2501 Carmack Road, Columbus, OH 43210 (; )
| | - Scott A Machtley
- Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA - ARS, 21881 North Cardon Lane, Maricopa, AZ 85138 (; )
| | - James R Hagler
- Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center, USDA - ARS, 21881 North Cardon Lane, Maricopa, AZ 85138 (; )
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13
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Saldaña A, Calzada JE, Pineda V, Perea M, Rigg C, González K, Santamaria AM, Gottdenker NL, Chaves LF. Risk factors associated with Trypanosoma cruzi exposure in domestic dogs from a rural community in Panama. Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz 2016; 110:936-44. [PMID: 26560985 PMCID: PMC4660624 DOI: 10.1590/0074-02760150284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by Trypanosoma cruzi infection, is a zoonosis of humans, wild and domestic mammals, including dogs. In Panama, the main T. cruzi vector is Rhodnius pallescens, a triatomine bug whose main natural habitat is the royal palm, Attalea butyracea. In this paper, we present results from three T. cruzi serological tests (immunochromatographic dipstick, indirect immunofluorescence and ELISA) performed in 51 dogs from 24 houses in Trinidad de Las Minas, western Panama. We found that nine dogs were seropositive (17.6% prevalence). Dogs were 1.6 times more likely to become T. cruzi seropositive with each year of age and 11.6 times if royal palms where present in the peridomiciliary area of the dog's household or its two nearest neighbours. Mouse-baited-adhesive traps were employed to evaluate 12 peridomestic royal palms. All palms were found infested with R. pallescens with an average of 25.50 triatomines captured per palm. Of 35 adult bugs analysed, 88.6% showed protozoa flagellates in their intestinal contents. In addition, dogs were five times more likely to be infected by the presence of an additional domestic animal species in the dog's peridomiciliary environment. Our results suggest that interventions focused on royal palms might reduce the exposure to T. cruzi infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azael Saldaña
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - José E Calzada
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Vanessa Pineda
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Milixa Perea
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Chystrie Rigg
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Kadir González
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Ana Maria Santamaria
- Departamento de Parasitología, Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de Salud, Ciudad de Panamá, República de Panamá
| | - Nicole L Gottdenker
- Department of Veterinary Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
| | - Luis F Chaves
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Trypanosoma cruzi-Trypanosoma rangeli co-infection ameliorates negative effects of single trypanosome infections in experimentally infected Rhodnius prolixus. Parasitology 2016; 143:1157-67. [PMID: 27174360 DOI: 10.1017/s0031182016000615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Trypanosoma cruzi, causative agent of Chagas disease, co-infects its triatomine vector with its sister species Trypanosoma rangeli, which shares 60% of its antigens with T. cruzi. Additionally, T. rangeli has been observed to be pathogenic in some of its vector species. Although T. cruzi-T. rangeli co-infections are common, their effect on the vector has rarely been investigated. Therefore, we measured the fitness (survival and reproduction) of triatomine species Rhodnius prolixus infected with just T. cruzi, just T. rangeli, or both T. cruzi and T. rangeli. We found that survival (as estimated by survival probability and hazard ratios) was significantly different between treatments, with the T. cruzi treatment group having lower survival than the co-infected treatment. Reproduction and total fitness estimates in the T. cruzi and T. rangeli treatments were significantly lower than in the co-infected and control groups. The T. cruzi and T. rangeli treatment group fitness estimates were not significantly different from each other. Additionally, co-infected insects appeared to tolerate higher doses of parasites than insects with single-species infections. Our results suggest that T. cruzi-T. rangeli co-infection could ameliorate negative effects of single infections of either parasite on R. prolixus and potentially help it to tolerate higher parasite doses.
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15
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Hoddle MS, Hoddle CD, Faleiro JR, El-Shafie HAF, Jeske DR, Sallam AA. How Far Can the Red Palm Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Fly?: Computerized Flight Mill Studies With Field-Captured Weevils. JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC ENTOMOLOGY 2015; 108:2599-2609. [PMID: 26470385 DOI: 10.1093/jee/tov240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Adult Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier) captured in pheromone-baited traps in commercial date palm orchards in the Al Ahsaa Directorate, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, were used in computerized flight mill studies to determine the flight characteristics of this highly invasive and destructive palm pest. Flight mill studies were run at three different time periods, winter (December), spring (March), and summer (May). Of the 192 weevils tethered to flight mills ∼30% failed to fly > 1 km. Of those weevils flying > 1 km (n = 139), 55% flew > 10 km, and of these flyers 5% flew > 50 km in 24 h. Flying weevils exhibited an average weight loss of 20-30% and nonflying control weevils lost ∼9-13% body weight in 24 h. Male and female weevils flying in summer (average laboratory temperature was ∼27°C) flew the longest average distances (∼25-35 km), exhibited highest weight reductions (∼30%), and greatest mortality rates (∼80%). Consequently, time of year not weevil sex or color morph had a consistent and significant effect on flight activity, weight loss, and survivorship rates. Flight activity was predominantly diurnal commencing around 5:00 a.m. and peaking between 9-11:00 a.m. before tapering off. The distribution of flight distances combined across season and sex was mesokurtic (i.e., normally distributed).
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Hoddle
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521. Center for Invasive Species Research, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521.
| | - C D Hoddle
- Department of Entomology, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - J R Faleiro
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN, Date Palm Research Centre, Ministry of Agriculture, PO Box 43, Al-Hassa 31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - H A F El-Shafie
- Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al Ahsaa-31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - D R Jeske
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521
| | - A A Sallam
- Date Palm Research Center of Excellence, King Faisal University, P.O. Box 400, Al Ahsaa-31982, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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16
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Abad-Franch F, Lima MM, Sarquis O, Gurgel-Gonçalves R, Sánchez-Martín M, Calzada J, Saldaña A, Monteiro FA, Palomeque FS, Santos WS, Angulo VM, Esteban L, Dias FBS, Diotaiuti L, Bar ME, Gottdenker NL. On palms, bugs, and Chagas disease in the Americas. Acta Trop 2015. [PMID: 26196330 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2015.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Palms are ubiquitous across Neotropical landscapes, from pristine forests or savannahs to large cities. Although palms provide useful ecosystem services, they also offer suitable habitat for triatomines and for Trypanosoma cruzi mammalian hosts. Wild triatomines often invade houses by flying from nearby palms, potentially leading to new cases of human Chagas disease. Understanding and predicting triatomine-palm associations and palm infestation probabilities is important for enhancing Chagas disease prevention in areas where palm-associated vectors transmit T. cruzi. We present a comprehensive overview of palm infestation by triatomines in the Americas, combining a thorough reanalysis of our published and unpublished records with an in-depth review of the literature. We use site-occupancy modeling (SOM) to examine infestation in 3590 palms sampled with non-destructive methods, and standard statistics to describe and compare infestation in 2940 palms sampled by felling-and-dissection. Thirty-eight palm species (18 genera) have been reported to be infested by ∼39 triatomine species (10 genera) from the USA to Argentina. Overall infestation varied from 49.1-55.3% (SOM) to 62.6-66.1% (dissection), with important heterogeneities among sub-regions and particularly among palm species. Large palms with complex crowns (e.g., Attalea butyracea, Acrocomia aculeata) and some medium-crowned palms (e.g., Copernicia, Butia) are often infested; in slender, small-crowned palms (e.g., Euterpe) triatomines associate with vertebrate nests. Palm infestation tends to be higher in rural settings, but urban palms can also be infested. Most Rhodnius species are probably true palm specialists, whereas Psammolestes, Eratyrus, Cavernicola, Panstrongylus, Triatoma, Alberprosenia, and some Bolboderini seem to use palms opportunistically. Palms provide extensive habitat for enzootic T. cruzi cycles and a critical link between wild cycles and transmission to humans. Unless effective means to reduce contact between people and palm-living triatomines are devised, palms will contribute to maintaining long-term and widespread, albeit possibly low-intensity, transmission of human Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando Abad-Franch
- Laboratório de Ecologia de Doenças Transmissíveis na Amazônia, Instituto Leônidas e Maria Deane - Fiocruz, Rua Teresina 476, Manaus 69057-070, Amazonas, Brazil; Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou - Fiocruz, Av. Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Marli M Lima
- Laboratório de Ecoepidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Otília Sarquis
- Laboratório de Ecoepidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Gurgel-Gonçalves
- Laboratório de Parasitologia Médica e Biologia de Vetores, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Brasília, Asa Norte, Brasília 70904-970, Distrito Federal, Brazil
| | - María Sánchez-Martín
- Instituto de Salud Global de Barcelona - ISGlobal, c/ Rosselló 132, 5° 2ª, 08036 Barcelona, Catalunya, Spain
| | - José Calzada
- Insituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Av. Justo Arosemena y Calle 32, Panamá 0816-02593, Panama
| | - Azael Saldaña
- Insituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud, Av. Justo Arosemena y Calle 32, Panamá 0816-02593, Panama
| | - Fernando A Monteiro
- Laboratório de Epidemiologia e Sistemática Molecular, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz - Fiocruz, Av. Brasil 4365, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Palomeque
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329-4027, USA
| | - Walter S Santos
- Laboratório de Doença de Chagas, Seção de Parasitologia, Instituto Evandro Chagas - SVS/MS, Rodovia BR 316 km 7 s/n, 67030-000 Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil
| | - Victor M Angulo
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales - CINTROP, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Calle 9 no. 27, Piedecuesta 680002, Santander, Colombia
| | - Lyda Esteban
- Centro de Investigaciones en Enfermedades Tropicales - CINTROP, Universidad Industrial de Santander, Calle 9 no. 27, Piedecuesta 680002, Santander, Colombia
| | - Fernando B S Dias
- Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou - Fiocruz, Av. Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Liléia Diotaiuti
- Laboratório de Triatomíneos e Epidemiologia da Doença de Chagas, Centro de Pesquisa René Rachou - Fiocruz, Av. Augusto de Lima 1715, Belo Horizonte 30190-002, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - María Esther Bar
- Laboratorio de Artrópodos, Facultad de Ciencia Exactas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional del Nordeste, Av. Libertad 5470, CP 3400 Corrientes, Argentina
| | - Nicole L Gottdenker
- Department of Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA
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Marliére NP, Latorre-Estivalis JM, Lorenzo MG, Carrasco D, Alves-Silva J, Rodrigues JDO, Ferreira LDL, Lara LDM, Lowenberger C, Guarneri AA. Trypanosomes Modify the Behavior of Their Insect Hosts: Effects on Locomotion and on the Expression of a Related Gene. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2015; 9:e0003973. [PMID: 26291723 PMCID: PMC4546274 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0003973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a result of evolution, the biology of triatomines must have been significantly adapted to accommodate trypanosome infection in a complex network of vector-vertebrate-parasite interactions. Arthropod-borne parasites have probably developed mechanisms, largely still unknown, to exploit the vector-vertebrate host interactions to ensure their transmission to suitable hosts. Triatomines exhibit a strong negative phototaxis and nocturnal activity, believed to be important for insect survival against its predators. Methodology/Principal Findings In this study we quantified phototaxis and locomotion in starved fifth instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus infected with Trypanosoma cruzi or Trypanosoma rangeli. T. cruzi infection did not alter insect phototaxis, but induced an overall 20% decrease in the number of bug locomotory events. Furthermore, the significant differences induced by this parasite were concentrated at the beginning of the scotophase. Conversely, T. rangeli modified both behaviors, as it significantly decreased bug negative phototaxis, while it induced a 23% increase in the number of locomotory events in infected bugs. In this case, the significant effects were observed during the photophase. We also investigated the expression of Rpfor, the triatomine ortholog of the foraging gene known to modulate locomotion in other insects, and found a 4.8 fold increase for T. rangeli infected insects. Conclusions/Significance We demonstrated for the first time that trypanosome infection modulates the locomotory activity of the invertebrate host. T. rangeli infection seems to be more broadly effective, as besides affecting the intensity of locomotion this parasite also diminished negative phototaxis and the expression of a behavior-associated gene in the triatomine vector. The control of Chagas disease, an infection that affects ca. 8 million people in Latin America, is mostly based on vector control activities. Understanding vector biology and how these insects interact with their environment, hosts and pathogens is crucial to improve vector control strategies. The behavior of triatomines has been largely studied, yet few reports have focused on the behavioral effects of the interaction that these insects endure with their natural parasites. Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli are two protozoan parasites found naturally infecting Rhodnius species. In this study, we showed for the first time that the locomotory activity of Rhodnius prolixus, a relevant vector of Chagas disease, is affected by trypanosome infection. T. cruzi was found to decrease bug locomotory activity during night hours, while T. rangeli promoted a generally increased insect locomotion. In addition, we searched for the R. prolixus orthologue (Rpfor) of a gene associated with the modulation of insect activity (foraging gene) and found that Rpfor expression was also affected by trypanosome infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Newmar Pinto Marliére
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Marcelo Gustavo Lorenzo
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - David Carrasco
- Chemical Ecology Group, Department of Plant Protection Biology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Alnarp, Sweden
| | - Juliana Alves-Silva
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luisa de Melo Lara
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Carl Lowenberger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Alessandra Aparecida Guarneri
- Centro de Pesquisas René Rachou, Avenida Augusto de Lima, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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18
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Peterson JK, Graham AL, Dobson AP, Chávez OT. Rhodnius prolixus Life History Outcomes Differ when Infected with Different Trypanosoma cruzi I Strains. Am J Trop Med Hyg 2015; 93:564-72. [PMID: 26078316 DOI: 10.4269/ajtmh.15-0218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The effect of a parasite on the life history of its vector is important for understanding and predicting disease transmission. Chagas disease agent Trypanosoma cruzi is a generalist parasite that is diverse across scales from its genetic diversity to the 100s of mammal and vector species it infects. Its vertebrate hosts show quite variable responses to infection, however, to date there are no studies looking at how T. cruzi variability might result in variable outcomes in its invertebrate host. Therefore, we investigated the effect of different T. cruzi I strains on Rhodnius prolixus survival and development. We found significant variation between insects infected with different strains, with some strains having no effect, as compared with uninfected insects, and others with significantly lower survival and development. We also found that different variables had varying importance between strains, with the effect of time postinfection and the blood:weight ratio of the infective meal significantly affecting the survival of insects infected with some strains, but not others. Our results suggest that T. cruzi can be pathogenic not only to its vertebrate hosts but also to its invertebrate hosts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Peterson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andrea L Graham
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andrew P Dobson
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
| | - Omar Triana Chávez
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey; Grupo BCEI, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia
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