Publications (5)9.56 Total impact
-
Article: Microsatellite and Mini-Exon Analysis of Mexican Human DTU I Trypanosoma cruzi Strains and Their Susceptibility to Nifurtimox and Benznidazole.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: Abstract Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and it affects as many as 10 million people in North and South America, where it represents a major public health problem. T. cruzi is a parasite with high genetic diversity, and it has been grouped into 6 discrete typing units (DTUs), designated as T. cruzi I (TcI) to T. cruzi VI (TcVI). Mexican isolates from humans and from vector insects have been primarily found to be TcI, and these isolates are likely to be the strains that cause the clinical manifestations observed in Mexico. However, genetic characterization and drug susceptibility assays are limited in Mexican TcI strains. In this work, 24 Mexican T. cruzi strains, obtained primarily from humans, were studied with 7 locus microsatellites and mini-exon gene by PCR. Also, drug susceptibility was evaluated by growth and mobility assays. All of the human strains belonged to TcI, and they could be further grouped through microsatellite analysis into 2 subgroups (microsatellite genotypes 1 and 2), which were not related to the host clinical status or biological origin of the strain. Two strains, both from wild mammals, belonged to the TcII-TcVI groups; these strains and the CL Brener strain constituted microsatellite genotype 3. The number of alleles in each locus was lower than reported for South American strains, and a departure from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was observed. The susceptibility of these strains to nifurtimox and benznidazole was heterogeneous. T. cruzi strains characterized as microsatellite genotypes 2 and 3 were significantly more susceptible to benznidazole than strains of microsatellite genotype 1. Only 1 Mexican strain resistant to both drugs was found in this study.Vector borne and zoonotic diseases (Larchmont, N.Y.) 02/2013; · 2.61 Impact Factor -
Article: Genetic Variation of North American Triatomines (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae): Initial Divergence between Species and Populations of Chagas Disease Vector.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The triatomines vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi are principal factors in acquiring Chagas disease. For this reason, increased knowledge of domestic transmission of T. cruzi and control of its insect vectors is necessary. To contribute to genetic knowledge of North America Triatominae species, we studied genetic variations and conducted phylogenetic analysis of different triatomines species of epidemiologic importance. Our analysis showed high genetic variations between different geographic populations of Triatoma mexicana, Meccus longipennis, M. mazzottii, M. picturatus, and T. dimidiata species, suggested initial divergence, hybridation, or classifications problems. In contrast, T. gerstaeckeri, T. bolivari, and M. pallidipennis populations showed few genetics variations. Analysis using cytochrome B and internal transcribed spacer 2 gene sequences indicated that T. bolivari is closely related to the Rubrofasciata complex and not to T. dimidiata. Triatoma brailovskyi and T. gerstaeckeri showed a close relationship with Dimidiata and Phyllosoma complexes.The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 12/2012; · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: The morphological variation of the eggs and genital plates of two morphotypes of Triatoma protracta Uhler, 1894.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The control of triatomine insects is necessary because these insects are the principal vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease. Nevertheless, some of these vectors, such as Triatoma protracta, have not been studied adequately and their importance and taxonomic status has not yet been defined in detail and must be reevaluated in view of the continuing taxonomic uncertainties associated with the species. To help clarify the taxonomic status of T. protracta, the eggs and genital plates of two morphotypes were analyzed. Qualitative and quantitative morphological differences were observed in two morphotypes, designated T. p. protracta and T. p. nahuatlae according to Ryckman (1962). The morphotype T. p. protracta exhibited large and wide eggs with pores forming large padded polygonal structures, whereas the eggs of the morphotype T. p. nahuatlae were small and smooth. The size of the 9(th) genital urosternite was longer and wider in females in contrast to males in both morphotypes. However, these size differences were relatively greater in T. p. protracta. The high morphological variation found between the morphotypes of T. protracta suggests that they should be separated. Accordingly, it is probable that this group should be re-classified.Journal of Vector Ecology 06/2012; 37(1):179-86. · 0.88 Impact Factor -
Article: Entomological indices, feeding sources, and molecular identification of Triatoma phyllosoma (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) one of the main vectors of Chagas disease in the Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico.
[show abstract] [hide abstract]
ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to conduct an entomological analysis, determination of feeding sources, and molecular identification of triatomines in five communities of the Istmo de Tehuantepec, Oaxaca. The only found species in two of five searched communities (San Mateo del Mar and Tehuantepec City) was Triatoma phyllosoma. Colonization indices were high in both communities. In San Mateo del Mar, the insects were found indoors and in Tehuantepec City in peridomestic areas. The Trypanosoma cruzi infection indices were 2.1% in San Mateo del Mar and 39.4% in Tehuantepec City. This difference could be related to the high numbers of triatomine feeding on hens in the former community. In contrast, in Tehuantepec, dogs were the principal triatomine feeding sources. All nymphs and adults that were genetically analyzed belonged to the species T. phyllosoma. Low levels of genetic variation were found between vectors from both communities.The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene 09/2011; 85(3):490-7. · 2.59 Impact Factor -
Article: Update on the distribution of Triatoma bolivari and Triatoma brailovskyi (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae) in western Mexico.
Journal of Vector Ecology 12/2010; 35(2):432-4. · 0.88 Impact Factor
Top co-authors
Top Journals
Institutions
-
2010
-
Hospital General Dr. Manuel Gea Gonzalez
Mexico City, The Federal District, Mexico
-
