title: Is Rhodnius robustus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) responsible for Chagas disease transmission in Western Venezuela?
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Universidad de Carabobo, Núcleo Aragua, BIOMED, Sección de Entomología Médica, Maracay, Venezuela. mdora@telcel.net.ve
authors.forename: M Dora
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Feliciangeli
authors.forename: Jean-Pierre
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Dujardin
authors.forename: Brigitte
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bastrenta
authors.forename: Milena
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mazzarri
authors.forename: Judith
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Villegas
authors.forename: Maria
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Flores
authors.forename: Maruska
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Muñoz
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D014355:Chagas Disease / Q000635:transmission*; D004247:DNA / Q000235:genetics; D004199:Disease Vectors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012239:Rhodnius / Q000235:genetics* / Q000469:parasitology; D014349:Trypanosoma cruzi / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D014687:Venezuela
chemical_list: D004247:DNA