An integrative approach to morphological and molecular diversity of Triatoma brasiliensis, the main Chagas Disease vector in the Brazilian semiarid: elucidating links along the epidemiological chain

• Grant number: 18/04594-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• Start date: April 01, 2018
• End date: June 30, 2020
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Collective Health - Epidemiology
• Principal Investigator: Carlos Eduardo de Almeida
• Grantee: Maria Carolina Viana Alves
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biologia (IB). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 16/08176-9 - An integrative approach to morphological and molecular diversity of Triatoma brasiliensis, the main Chagas Disease vector in the Brazilian semiarid: elucidating links along the epidemiological chain, AP.JP

Abstract

In semi-arid areas of Brazil, Triatoma brasiliensis is the most important Chagas Disease vector, with potential to elucidate aspects of other elements of eco-epidemiologic chain. Therefore, we will use an integrative method applied to T. brasiliensis specimens collected in sites with records of high domiciliary infestation pressure in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The re-infestation foci (via population genetics) and demographic aspects of T. brasiliensis populations under control activities (via Approximate Bayesian Computation - ABC) will be elucidated by using DNA extracted from legs of insects via two molecular markers: cytochrome b (cytb) fragments and microsatellites, combined with the geometric morphometrics by using the heads and wings. By using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) we will explore genes associated to domiciliation process by analyzing transcriptomes from antennae and rostrum. The Trypanosoma cruzi genotyping, T. brasiliensis feeding sources and T. cruzi reservoirs will be identifying by using NGS to the blood meal ingested by the insect through metagenomics/metabarcodng. The landscape genetics will be applied by combining morphological and genotypic information via ecological and spatial data, aiming to detect corridors for population dispersion of insects that invade homes. This project counts with an innovative and synergic model-approach to determine the vector genetic structure, the genetic base related to domiciliation process, the parasite lineages, T. cruzi reservoir and factor that make possible the vector dispersion to domiciles. Finally, an integrated analysis of results will be converted to a comprehensive way to be passed to those involved in the vector control. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

KAMIMURA, EDGARD H.; VIANA, MARIA CAROLINA; LILIOSO, MAURICIO; FONTES, FERNANDA H. M.; PIRES-SILVA, DAYANE; VALENCA-BARBOSA, CAROLINA; CARBAJAL-DE-LA-FUENTE, ANA L.; FOLLY-RAMOS, ELAINE; SOLFERIN, VERA N.; THYSSEN, PATRICIA J.; et al. Drivers of molecular and morphometric variation in Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera: Triatominae): the resolution of geometric morphometrics for populational structuring on a microgeographical scale. PARASITES & VECTORS, v. 13, n. 1, p. 15-pg., 2020-09-07. (17/19420-0, 16/08176-9, 17/21359-8, 17/09088-9, 18/04594-6, 17/50329-0, 18/04205-0)

Academic Publications

(References retrieved automatically from State of São Paulo Research Institutions)

ALVES, Maria Carolina Viana. Population genetics and genomic of Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in an area of high pressure of domiciliary infestation in Northeastern Brazil. 2024. Doctoral Thesis - Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Instituto de Biologia Campinas, SP.