Biogeography of Triatominae (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Ecuador: implications for the design of control strategies

Abstract

Chagas disease control strategies strongly depend on the triatomine vector species involved in

Absence of domestic triatomine colonies in an area of the coastal region of Ecuador where Chagas disease is endemic

“…This is in contrast with previous reports that designate Chagas disease to be highly endemic in northern province of Guayas (J Monroy, unpublished observations, Defranc 1982, Abad-Franch et al 2001). However, in many areas of Ecuador, systematic studies have neither been conducted nor published.…”

“…They are widely distributed in the coastal area, which has been considered endemic for Chagas disease since the 1950s (Moncayo 2003). Although T. dimidiata has been reported in seven of the 24 provinces in Ecuador (Abad-Franch et al 2001) and was previously reported to be the most important vector in the province of Guayas (Defranc 1982), this species was not found during this study.…”

“…The number of triatomine species present in Ecuador reflects an ecological complexity, illustrated in the diversity of life zones that range from desert areas to pluvial forests (Abad-Franch et al 2001). T. dimidiata and R. ecuadoriensis are considered the main vectors of Chagas disease in Ecuador.…”

Chromosomal evolution trends of the genus Panstrongylus (Hemiptera, Reduviidae), vectors of Chagas disease

“…Some, such as P. megistus, are important vectors of Chagas disease due to their close association with humans. Others, such as P. chinai, P. geniculatus, P. herreri and P. rufotuberculatus are considered secondary vectors because of their increasing ability to invade and colonise domestic habitats (Lent and Wygodzinsky, 1979;Calderón et al, 1985;Noireau et al, 1994;Valente, 1999;Carcavallo et al, 1999;Wolff and Castillo, 2000;Abad-Franch et al, 2001).…”

Genetic structure of Triatoma venosa (Hemiptera: Reduviidae): molecular and morphometric evidence

“…Its habits and hosts are unknown. Abad-Franch et al (2001) have reported wild forms of T. venosa in Ecuador and D'Alessandro et al (1981) reported domiciliated T. venosa nymphs and adults infected with T. cruzi (identified by morphology) located in the Magdalena river valley and the western Andean mountain in Colombia (1600-2200 m above sea level). Morphometric and molecular analyses are important tools that provide evidence of the population structure of insect vectors.…”