|
Parasites & Vectors 2011
Gene discovery in Triatoma infestansAbstract: In this work, we generated 826 ESTs, resulting in an increase of 47% in the number of ESTs available for T. infestans. These ESTs were assembled in 471 unique sequences, 151 of which represent 136 new genes for the Reduviidae family.Among the putative new genes for the Reduviidae family, we identified and described an interesting subset of genes involved in development and reproduction, which constitute potential targets for insecticide development.Chagas disease affects 8 million people, and ~28 million, in 21 endemic countries of Latin America, are at risk of infection [1]. The etiologic agent of Chagas disease is the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is mainly transmitted through blood-sucking insect vectors of the Triatominae subfamily, being Triatoma infestans, Rhodnius prolixus, and Triatoma dimidiata the most epidemiologically important vectors. T. infestans is currently the main vector in the southern part of South America including regions of northern Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, and southern Peru. R. prolixus, on the other hand, is distributed in northern South America (mainly in Colombia and Venezuela) and has few foci in Central America. T. dimidiata, is present in Central America and Mexico, and also has limited foci in northern South America [2-4].Due to population migration from Latin America, Chagas disease is becoming an important health issue in North America, Europe and in the western Pacific region [5]. Currently, there are >390,000 individuals infected with T. cruzi in non-endemic regions and, accordingly, serological monitoring of blood banks and organ donors as well as additional controls to detect vertical transmission in newborns must be implemented to prevent the spread of the disease.As there are currently no vaccines available against T. cruzi and effective treatments are limited to chemotherapies that exhibit high toxicity, large efforts are being made to implement prevention strategies, such as domestic vector control and improvement o
|