Molecular taxonomic study of Chagas disease vectors from the phyllosoma, lecticularia, and rubrofasciata complexes
Martínez, F.; Alejandre-Aguilar, R.; Moncada, Y.Hortelano.; Espinoza, B.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 73(2): 321-325
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 16103598 Document Number: 588212
The Triatiominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) are hematophagous hemipters of importance because they transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. The aim of this study was to define the possible relationships between species of the Phyllosoma complex (Triatoma mazzottii, Triatoma pallidipennis, and Triatoma longipennis) and species of other complexes present in Mexico that have not been previously analyzed (Triatoma lecticularia and Triatoma rubida). In addition, it was determined the inclusion of Triatoma bassolsae in the Phyllosoma complex by using 10 isoenzymatic systems (corresponding to the 14 loci). Results of isoenzymatic study show that between the species of the Phyllosoma complex including Triatoma bassolsae, the polymorphism of the analyzed enzymes ranges from 14% to 50% (P < or = 0.95) and the species from external complexes showed polymorphism values of 43% (Triatoma lecticularia), 43% (Triatoma rubida), and 36% (Triatoma infestans). The genetic tree shows a clear difference between species of the Phyllosoma complex and the other complexes.