Is Rhodnius robustus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) responsible for Chagas disease transmission in Western Venezuela?
Trop Med Int Health
; 7(3): 280-7, 2002 Mar.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11903991
We present evidence for the putative role of Rhodnius robustus as extradomestic vector of Chagas disease in Western Venezuela. First, we assessed the validity of this triatomine species by genetic characterization in relation with some other species of the prolixus group. Random amplified polymorphic DNA data showed a clear separation between this species and R. prolixus and indicated a probable genetic heterogeneity within R. robustus. Faeces and gut contents were microscopically examined in 54 of 137 R. robustus collected in palm trees. According to this morphological examination, 18% were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi, 11% harboured T. rangeli and 11% showed mixed infection. Five of the seven samples examined gave a polymerase chain reaction major band of 270 bp specific of T. cruzi. The hybridization probes showed that R. robustus may transmit clones 20 and 39 (or genetically related ones) in Venezuela. Such a transmission might occur when, in absence of domestic R. prolixus and attracted by artificial light, R. robustus enters houses and feeds on humans, or when people are bitten outdoors. The lack of bugs inside houses could mean that the insects leave houses after feeding, or die without reproducing there.
Buscar no Google
Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Rhodnius
/
Trypanosoma cruzi
/
Doença de Chagas
Limite:
Adult
/
Animals
/
Female
/
Humans
/
Newborn
País/Região como assunto:
America do sul
/
Venezuela
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Trop Med Int Health
Assunto da revista:
MEDICINA TROPICAL
/
SAUDE PUBLICA
Ano de publicação:
2002
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Venezuela
País de publicação:
Reino Unido