Fine-scale genetic structure in populations of the Chagas’ disease vector Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduvidae)

• Published in: Genetica Vol. 141; no. 1-3; pp. 107 - 117
• Main Authors: Pérez de Rosas, Alicia R, Segura, Elsa L, Fusco, Octavio, Guiñazú, Adolfo L. Bareiro, García, Beatriz A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer-Verlag 01.03.2013; Springer Netherlands; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Animal Genetics and Genomics; Animal Migration; Animals; Argentina; Correlation analysis; Dispersal; Ecosystem; Evolutionary Biology; Female; females; Genetic structure; Hemiptera; Human Genetics; Inbreeding; Insect Vectors - genetics; Insecticides; insects; Life Sciences; Male; males; Microbial Genetics and Genomics; microsatellite repeats; Microsatellite Repeats - genetics; monitoring; Plant Genetics and Genomics; Polymorphism, Genetic; Population - genetics; population structure; probability; Sex Characteristics; Spatial analysis; Triatoma - genetics; Triatoma infestans; Vector-borne diseases; Argentina; Fine-scale genetic structure; Chagas’ disease vector; Argentina; Microsatellites
• DOI: 10.1007/s10709-013-9710-0
• ISSN: 0016-6707

Fine scale patterns of genetic structure and dispersal in Triatoma infestans populations from Argentina was analysed. A total of 314 insects from 22 domestic and peridomestic sites from the locality of San Martín (Capayán department, Catamarca province) were typed for 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci. The results confirm subdivision of T. infestans populations with restricted dispersal among sampling sites and suggest inbreeding and/or stratification within the different domestic and peridomestic structures. Spatial correlation analysis showed that the scale of structuring is approximately of 400 m, indicating that active dispersal would occur within this distance range. It was detected difference in scale of structuring among sexes, with females dispersing over greater distances than males. This study suggests that insecticide treatment and surveillance should be extended within a radius of 400 m around the infested area, which would help to reduce the probability of reinfestation by covering an area of active dispersal. The inferences made from fine-scale spatial genetic structure analyses of T. infestans populations has demonstrated to be important for community-wide control programs, providing a complementary approach to help improve vector control strategies.