Active dispersal in Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae): effects of nutritional status, the presence of a food source and the toxicological phenotype.

Active dispersal in Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae): effects of nutritional status, the presence of a food source and the toxicological phenotype. Acta Trop. 2020 Jan 15;:105345 Authors: Lobbia PA, Mougabure-Cueto G Abstract In Argentina, the main vector of Chagas disease is Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834). In recent years, the presence of T. infestans was reported in human dwelling after spraying with pyrethroids in several locations in Argentina. The presence of these insects can be attributed, among other factors, to colonization by bugs from sylvatic or peridomestic populations or to the evolution of resistance to insecticides. In both cases, the dispersal of insects is a determining factor. The aim was to determinate the interaction of dispersal with feeding, food resource and resistance to insecticides. Three nutritional states were obtained with the number of feeds (NF) offered (0, 1 or 2). The resistant females were evaluated only with NF1. The experimental arena was 10 m long and contained two shelters. Groups of 30 virgin females of each NF were released in one of the shelters and were able to move during 3 days/nights. Females without possibility of dispersal were the controls. Results showed that the individuals dispersed mainly walking regardless of the number of feeds, the presence of food resource and toxicological phenotype. This type of dispersal presented energy costs in suscepti...
Source: Acta Tropica - Category: Infectious Diseases Authors: Tags: Acta Trop Source Type: research