GENETIC STRUCTURE OF CHAGAS DISEASE VECTOR--GUATEMALA

描述（改编自申请人的摘要）：查加斯病，由 寄生虫克氏锥虫是拉丁美洲心脏病的主要原因 美国参考这种寄生虫通过粪便传播给人类和动物， 锥蝽载体。有效的药物（超过最初的急性期） 疾病）或疫苗不可用。然而，最近的努力， 南美洲的病媒有效地阻止了南美锥虫病的传播， 几个国家。这些控制工作得益于对 载体的群体遗传学。白腹小食蚁兽和长吻红鱼是 危地马拉最重要的两种南美锥虫病媒Triatoma dimidiata是一种 特别关注控制工作，因为它在危地马拉很普遍， 在森林和家庭栖息地的存在意味着它可以重新殖民 用森林蓄水池熏蒸房屋。尽管它作为南美锥虫的重要性 载体，没有什么是已知的群体遗传学Triatoma dimidiata。 对种群遗传学的理解将揭示迁移率， 育种结构和基因流动以及可能存在的遗传差异 病媒亚群。这些研究将提供必要的信息， 设计有效的矢量控制策略来中断这种传输 寄生虫，从而减少拉丁美洲心脏病的发病率。

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from the Applicant's Abstract): Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a leading cause of heart disease in Latin America. The parasite is transmitted to humans and animals in the feces of triatomine vectors. Effective drugs (beyond the initial acute phase of the disease) or vaccines are not available. However, recent efforts at controlling the vectors in South America have effectively blocked transmission of Chagas in several countries. These control efforts were aided by knowledge of the population genetics of the vector. Triatoma dimidiata and Rhodnius prolixus are the two most important Chagas vectors in Guatemala. Triatoma dimidiata is of special concern for control efforts since it is widespread in Guatemala and its presence in both sylvatic and domestic habitats means it can re-colonize fumigated houses from sylvatic reservoirs. Despite its importance as a Chagas vector, nothing is known about the population genetics of Triatoma dimidiata. An understanding of the population genetics would reveal rates of migration, breeding structure and gene flow and possibly genetic differences between vector subpopulations. These studies will provide information essential to designing effective vector control strategies to interrupt transmission of this parasite and thus reduce the incidence of heart disease in Latin America.