Weverson Luciano Pires
Published: April 15, 2008
Genet. Mol. Res. 7 (2) : 357-357
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol7-2ta14

Cite this Article:
W.Luciano Pires (2008). Comparative cytogenetics study between Triatoma maculata and Triatoma pseudomaculata (Triatominae, Heteroptera). Genet. Mol. Res. 7(2): 357-357. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol7-2ta14

About the Authors
Weverson Luciano Pires

Triatomines are vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas’ disease. These hematophagous insects belong to the order Heteroptera and to the family Reduviidae. Disseminated throughout large portions of Brazil and of other Latin American countries, Chagas’ disease is a serious and important public health problem that is difficult to treat. Cytogenetically, the interest in triatomines is in its holocentric chromosomes and in its uncommon meiosis process; sexual segregation is post-reductional. The basic number of chromosomes in triatomines is 2n = 22. We analyzed spermatogenesis in Triatoma maculata and T. pseudomaculata, with emphasis on the following aspects: spermatogenesis phases, chromatin and meiotic chromosome structure and the nucleolar cycle. These species are found principally in northeastern Brazil and are potential vectors for T. cruzi. The specimens were supplied by the insectary of the Special Health Service of Araraquara (SESA), Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Universityof São Paulo. Cells were obtained from the testicles of adult males; after crushing they were submitted to the following cytochemical techniques: lacto-acetic orcein staining, impregnation with silver ions, C-banding and critical electrolyte concentrations. Read More. . .