Microgeographical analysis of genetic structure of Triatoma infestans populations from northern Argentina.

PAULA MARCET; MATIAS MORA; ANA PAULA CUTRERA; L, JONES; R. GURTLER; U. KITRON; E. DOTSON

Infection, Genetics and Evolution

ELSEVIER

Lugar: Amsterdam; Año: 2008 vol. 8 p. 835 - 846

1567-1348

To gain an understanding of the genetic structure and dispersal dynamics of Triatoma infestans populations, we analyzed the multilocus genotype of 10microsatellite loci for 352 T. infestans collected in 21 houses of 11 rural communities in October 2002. Genetic structure was analyzed at the community and house compound levels. Analysis revealed that vector control actions affected the genetic structure of T. infestans populations. Bug populations from communities under sustained vector control (core area) were highly structured and genetic differentiation between neighboring house compounds was significant. In contrast, bug populations from communities with sporadic vector control actions were more homogeneous and lacked defined genetic clusters. Genetic differentiation between population pairs did not fit a model of isolation by distance at the microgeographical level. Evidence consistent with flight or walking bug dispersal was detected within and among communities, dispersal was more femalebiased in the core area and results suggested that houses received immigrants from more than one source. Putative sources and mechanisms of re-infestation are described. These datamay be use to design improved vector control strategies.