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

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Abstract

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.

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by the grants from the Agencia Nacional de promoción Científica y Tecnológica (FONCYT), the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) of Argentina, and the Secretaría de Ciencia y Tecnología de la Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. E. L. Segura and B. A. García are Career Investigator of CONICET.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cátedra de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, INICSA (CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Córdoba), Pabellón Argentina 2º Piso, Ciudad Universitaria, 5000, Córdoba, Argentina

    Alicia R. Pérez de Rosas, Adolfo L. Bareiro Guiñazú & Beatriz A. García

  2. Instituto Nacional de Parasitología Dr. Mario Fatala Chabén, Avenida Paseo Colón 568, 1063, Buenos Aires, Argentina

    Elsa L. Segura & Octavio Fusco

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  1. Alicia R. Pérez de Rosas
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  2. Elsa L. Segura
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  3. Octavio Fusco
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  4. Adolfo L. Bareiro Guiñazú
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  5. Beatriz A. García
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Correspondence to Beatriz A. García.

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Pérez de Rosas, A.R., Segura, E.L., Fusco, O. et al. Fine-scale genetic structure in populations of the Chagas’ disease vector Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduvidae). Genetica 141, 107–117 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-013-9710-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10709-013-9710-0

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