[Genetic differentiation of three Colombian populations of Triatoma dimidiata (Heteroptera: Reduviidae) by ND4 mitochondrial gene molecular analysis].
BACKGROUND
Triatoma dimidiata is the second most important vector of Chagas disease in Colombia after Rhodnius prolixus. Population genetic studies are essential for the adequate design and implementation of vector control and surveillance strategies.


OBJECTIVE
The level of genetic variability and population differentiation was surveyed among three Colombian populations of T. dimidiata from different geographic locations and ecotopes, using ND4 mitochondrial gene.


METHODS
Genetic comparison was made between two wild populations from La Guajira (n=10) and Santander (n=10) provinces, and one intra (n=15) and one peridomiciliary (n=5) population from the Cesar province. The polymorphism frequencies of the ND4 mitochondrial gene sequence were analyzed to deduce population structure based on the 40 samples.


RESULTS
Colombian T. dimidiata showed a high nucleotide (π: 0.034) and haplotype diversity (Hd: 0.863), as well as significant population subdivision (fST: 0.761) and a low migration rate (Nm: 0.157). Genetic distances and variability differences among populations indicate distinct population subdivision amongst the three provinces.


CONCLUSIONS
ND4 proved useful in elucidating the significant genetic differentiation that has occurred among T. dimidiata populations from La Guajira, Cesar and Santander. The analysis suggested a relationship between population subdivision and some eco-epidemiological attributes of this vector from the central eastern and northwestern regions of Colombia.
Grisales
Nelson
N
Grupo de Biología y Control de Enfermedades Infecciosas, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, Instituto de Biología, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia.
Triana
Omar
O
Angulo
Víctor
V
Jaramillo
Nicolás
N
Parra-Henao
Gabriel
G
Panzera
Francisco
F
Gómez-Palacio
Andrés
A
D000818:Animals; D003105:Colombia; D050259:Genes, Mitochondrial; D014644:Genetic Variation; D014224:Triatoma / Q000235:genetics*