Genomics, evolution and biogeography of species of the genus Rhodnius: vectors of Chagas disease

Project: Research Project

Project Details

Description

The subfamily Triatominae comprises approximately 147 species, which are important in public health because some are capable of transmitting the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, responsible for Chagas disease, which is of great impact in Latin American countries. One of the characteristics of Triatominae is their high morphological diversity, so their species have been classified into 5 tribes, of which one of the most important for its great vectorial capacity and wide geographical distribution is the Rhodnini tribe and specifically the species of the genus Rhodnius. The latter comprises 18 species and although there are a large number of studies about their taxonomy, the evolutionary panorama of these species is not clear and this is probably due to the fact that the studies use few molecular markers and especially only use mitochondrial DNA to generate conclusions. Therefore, there are several contradictory hypotheses about the origin and diversification of these species in northern Latin America and Central America, making it difficult to understand the proper identification of some species (e.g., R. prolixus and R. robustus), the dispersion of these species, their current geographic distribution, and the correct formulation of vector control strategies.

Commitments / Obligations

Se publicaron ocho (8) artículos en el marco del proyecto, seis (6) Q1 y dos (2) Q2 - Artículos relacionados en la producción
Se realizó la publicación de secuencias genéticas en la base de datos GenBank
En el marco de este proyecto se desarrolló una tesis de doctorado
Se realizó el entrenamiento en técnicas moleculares para genética de poblaciones a Juliana Damieli Nascimento, estudiante de doctorado de La Universidad Estatal de Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
En el marco de este proyecto se desarrolló una tesis de maestría
El desarrollo de este proyecto permitió la formación de cuatro (4) estudiantes de pregrado en biología de la Universidad del Rosario
Se realizaron cuatro (4) presentaciones en congresos internacionales - Certificados adjuntos
Se realizaron tres (3) presentaciones en congreso nacional - Certificados adjuntos
StatusFinished
Effective start/end date3/3/173/8/21

UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This project contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being

Main Funding Source

  • Competitive Funds
  • Great Amount

Location

  • Bogotá D.C.

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