The Behaviour of Kissing Bugs

Lazzari, Claudio R.

doi:10.1007/978-3-030-64548-9_10

Cited by 10 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 140 publications

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“…As proposed before by several other authors [ 6 , 17 , 21 , 52 , 53 ], a hypothesis to explain the increase in the number of bites and the decrease in host detection time, which was more evident in triatomines with a higher T. cruzi load, could be a competition between the triatomine and T. cruzi for the nutrients in the ingested blood, leading these insects to a more advanced state of starvation when compared to individuals with a lower parasite load, and those who are non-infected. Triatomines in this state may become more receptive to stimuli: They do not sit and wait until a host appears or move randomly in search of signals; instead, they orient themselves with the air streams to capture smells of interest [ 7 , 54 ]. Another response that may increase due to the lack of nutrients is sensitivity to ammonia that is present in the urine and sweat of hosts, which serves as an attraction factor in T. infestans [ 55 ]; this response has been measured in the antennae of R. prolixus , and it increases during starvation [ 56 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The observation that the individuals did not defecate on the mouse when they were fed may be related to the fact that the most accessible points for biting (fewer hairs) and sources of emission of cues used for their detection (temperature, CO 2 , etc.) [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 ] were perceived at the level of the triatomine, in its horizontal plane of displacement.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Triatomines are primarily hematophagous, feeding on the species available in their habitat, and their most studied behavior relates to orientation towards the host, ingestion of blood, and defecation [ 4 , 5 ]. In triatomines, the search for a blood meal is related to the detection of the host’s main signals, odors and heat [ 6 , 7 ], activating their appetitive search and orientation. Water vapor constitutes a short-range orientation cue [ 8 ] along with other chemical signals, especially carbon dioxide, which can stimulate triatomines to be attracted to and follow a concentration gradient [ 9 , 10 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Water vapor constitutes a short-range orientation cue [ 8 ] along with other chemical signals, especially carbon dioxide, which can stimulate triatomines to be attracted to and follow a concentration gradient [ 9 , 10 ]. Odors and heat are also used by triatomines to locate the host’s blood vessels [ 6 , 7 ]. Triatoma infestans (Klug, 1834) is a triatomine insect that feeds more quickly than other triatomine species, with higher rates of blood ingestion, resulting in better blood-feeding efficiency [ 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Parasite Load of Trypanosoma cruzi Modulates Feeding and Defecation Patterns of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans

et al. 2022

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Trypanosoma cruzi is the causal agent of Chagas disease, a parasitic zoonosis transmitted mainly through the feces of triatomine insects. Triatoma infestans is the main triatomine vector of this disease in South America. Previous research has shown that T. cruzi infection modifies the behavior of triatomines. We evaluated, for the first time, the effect of parasite load on feeding and defecation behavior, which we quantified by using real-time PCR. The detection time of the host was shorter in infected individuals, and the number of bites increased, while the dejection time was reduced when compared with the non-infected group. A significant correlation between the parasite load and the behavioral changes registered in the infected triatomines was found. These results would indicate that the intensity of T. cruzi infection modulates the feeding and defecation behavior of T. infestans, increasing the vector competence of this triatomine vector.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Parasite Load of Trypanosoma cruzi Modulates Feeding and Defecation Patterns of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans

et al. 2022

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“…At nightfall, they eventually start non-oriented locomotor activity, outside shelters to search for hosts. For host recognition, starved bugs detect cues released by vertebrates, such as radiant heat, water vapor, carbon dioxide, and other odorants (2). The decision to leave a shelter and engage in foraging is risky, as triatomine hosts are often predators as well.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Global characterization of gene expression in the brain of starved immature R. prolixus

Nevoa

Estivalis

Pais

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background: Rhodnius prolixus is a vector of Chagas disease and has become a model organism to study physiology, behavior, and pathogen interaction. The publication of its genome allowed the initiation of a process of comparative characterization of the gene expression profiles of diverse organs exposed to varying conditions. Brain processes control the expression of behavior and, as such, mediate immediate adjustment to a changing environment, allowing organisms to maximize their chances to survive and reproducing. The expression of fundamental behavioral processes like feeding requires fine control in triatomines because they obtain their blood meals from potential predators. Therefore, the characterization of gene expression profiles of key components modulating behavior in brain processes, like those of neuropeptide precursors and their receptors, seems fundamental. Here we study global gene expression profiles in the brain of starved R. prolixus fifth instar nymphs by means of RNASeq sequencing. Results: The expression of neuromodulatory genes such as those of precursors of neuropeptides, neurohormones, and their receptors; as well as the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis and processing of neuropeptides and biogenic amines were fully characterized. Other important gene targets such as neurotransmitter receptors, nuclear receptors, clock genes, sensory receptors, and takeouts were identified and their gene expression was analyzed. Conclusion: We propose that the set of neuromodulation-related genes highly expressed in the brain of starved R. prolixus nymphs deserves functional characterization to allow the subsequent development of tools targeting them for bug control. As the brain is a complex structure that presents functionally-specialized areas, future studies should focus on characterizing gene expression profiles in target areas, e.g. mushroom bodies, to complement our current knowledge.

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Chemical ecology of triatomines: current knowledge and implications for Chagas disease vector management

Alavez-Rosas,

Vargas-Abasolo,

Albores-Flores

et al. 2023

J Pest Sci

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Triatomines (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae), commonly known as conenose or kissing bugs, includes species of outstanding medical importance given their role as vectors of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi Chagas (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the aetiological agent of Chagas disease. Herein, we present an updated review of the chemical ecology of triatomines, with special reference to molecules involved in the communication of these insects. Infochemicals, including hormones and semiochemicals (pheromones and allelochemicals), have a pivotal role in mediating information and shaping interactions within and between triatomines, during distinct behavioural contexts. We analyse the new findings about the chemical composition of alarm, aggregation and sex pheromones, as well as on cuticular hydrocarbons, host attractants and repellents. We also discuss how triatomine hormones may serve as communication signals and highlight the importance of the reverse chemical ecology approach in studying the complex chemoecology of these arthropod vectors. In the final section, we outline how knowledge about triatomine chemical ecology can be used for implementing real-world control operations with proven epidemiological impact.

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The Behaviour of Kissing Bugs

Cited by 10 publications

References 140 publications

The Parasite Load of Trypanosoma cruzi Modulates Feeding and Defecation Patterns of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans

The Parasite Load of Trypanosoma cruzi Modulates Feeding and Defecation Patterns of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans

Global characterization of gene expression in the brain of starved immature R. prolixus

Chemical ecology of triatomines: current knowledge and implications for Chagas disease vector management

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