Dados do Trabalho

Título

Bacterial Diversity in the Gut of the sylvatic Rhodnius colombiensis from center-west of Colombia and detection of Trypanosoma cruzi and blood feeding source

Introdução

Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma dimidiata are the primary domestic triatomine species that transmit Trypanosoma cruzi in Colombia. Triatomine insects inhabit both sylvatic and domestic environments, raising concerns about reinfestation of treated households by wild triatomines. In the center-west of Colombia, sylvatic R. colombiensis have gained epidemiological importance due to the high prevalence of the parasite increasing the risk of transmission in areas where R. prolixus have been controlled. Bacteria play a crucial role in the insect midgut, contributing to homeostasis, metabolism, and physiology. Endosymbionts are also significant due to their potential use in biological control. Understanding the interactions between bacteria, parasite and the influence of the food source is essential for comprehending the ecoepidemiological aspects of these vectors.

Objetivo (s)

This study aimed to examine the midgut of wild R. colombiensis, focusing on culture bacteria, endosymbionts, T. cruzi, and the blood-feeding sources.

Material e Métodos

R. colombiensis specimens were collected from Coyaima municipality, Tolima, with the appropriate permission (ANLA Decree No. 1376/ 2013). Insects were identified using classical morphological characters and molecular markers. The midgut was dissected and divided into sections: one part was used to obtain bacteria using nutritive medium, and the other part was used to extract total DNA to detect endosymbionts (Wolbachia, Arsenophonus and Microsporidia), T. cruzi and blood-feeding source using specific primers.

Resultados e Conclusão

COI gene sequence confirmed the R. colombiensis individuals. Yokenella, Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Klebsiella, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, Dietzia, Kocuria and Rothia genera were reported using the culture method. Endosymbionts were not detected under the evaluated conditions. T. cruzi was detected in 95% of samples analyzed, with Didelphis marsupialis identified as the primary feeding host, followed by Gallus gallus. Bacteria belonging to Gammaproteobacteria, Bacilli and Actinomycetia classes were reported. A high detection rate of T. cruzi was observed. D. marsupialis is currently considered one of the most important wild reservoirs of the infection. However, G. gallus blood-feeding is significant due to a possible peridomestic transmission cycle connected with sylvatic hosts. This study provides preliminary information about bacteria and their possible interaction with T. cruzi in the gut compartment, as well as the impact of blood feeding sources.    

Palavras Chave

sylvatic Rhodnius colombiensis; blood-feeding source; T cruzi intection; midgut bacteria