Revisiting the Homoploid Hybrid Speciation Process of the Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma Galvão, 1956 (Hemiptera, Triatominae) Using Cytogenetic and Molecular Markers.

Triatomines are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. Although the evolutionary process in triatomine is considered as disruptive, cryptic speciation and homoploid hybridization also are possible modes of speciation. Several analyses suggested Triatoma brasiliensis macromelasoma as a product of hybridization between T. brasiliensis and Triatoma juazeirensis. Thus, we analyzed genetic characteristics (chromosomal analysis, genetic distance for the mitochondrial ND1 gene, and the pattern of bands of internal transcribed spacer [ITS]-1) of these species, with emphasis on the phenomenon of homoploid hybridization. All species showed the same cytogenetic characteristics, low genetic distance for ND1 gene, and the same pattern of ITS-1 bands. We consider that these genetic characteristics, together with the large chromatic polymorphism and the viability of experimental crosses possibly are due to the processes of introgression that these species suffered during the process of homoploid hybridization.

Triatoma vitticeps (Stal, 1859) (Hemiptera, Triatominae): A Chagas Disease Vector or a Complex of Vectors?

Triatoma vitticeps is a Chagas disease vector that was found infected with Trypanosoma cruzi in homes. As this species is endemic from Brazil (Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, and Rio de Janeiro) and no study comparing the specimens from different Brazilian states was conducted, we analyzed the genetic distance (16S rDNA, Cyt b, and COI mitochondrial genes) and the chromosomal characteristics for T. vitticeps from Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo. All specimens showed the same cytogenetic characteristics. On the other hand, the different mitochondrial genes demonstrated high intraspecific variation between the genetic distances of T. vitticeps from different states ranging from 2.3% to 7.2%. Based on this, our results suggest that possibly what is characterized as T. vitticeps is a complex of cryptic species (or subspecies).

Mitochondrial Gene Confirms the Specific Status of Triatoma pintodiasi Jurberg, Cunha, and Rocha, 2013 (Hemiptera, Triatominae), an Endemic Species in Brazil.

Chagas disease is most frequently transmitted to humans through contact with feces of insects from the Triatominae subfamily. In Brazil, there are 65 species of triatomines distributed throughout the country's 27 states. Among the species in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Triatoma rubrovaria, Triatoma oliveirai, Triatoma pintodiasi, Triatoma klugi, Triatoma carcavalloi, and Triatoma circummaculata (with the addition Triatoma limai, which is endemic to Argentina) form the T. rubrovaria subcomplex. The last species described and grouped into this subcomplex was T. pintodiasi Thus, this study characterized the genetic distance between T. pintodiasi and of the other members of the T. rubrovaria subcomplex to evaluate the specific status of T. pintodiasi The genetic distance observed between T. pintodiasi and the other species of the T. rubrovaria subcomplex was large, a finding which highlights the specific status of the species considered to be cryptic of T. circummaculata.

D2 Region of the 28S RNA Gene: A Too-Conserved Fragment for Inferences on Phylogeny of South American Triatomines.

The brasiliensis complex is composed of five triatomine species, and different approaches suggest that Triatoma lenti and Triatoma petrochiae may be the new members. Therefore, this study sought to analyze the phylogenetic relationships within this complex by means of the D2 region of the 28S RNA gene, and to analyze the degree of polymorphism and phylogenetic significance of this gene for South American triatomines. Phylogenetic analysis by using sequence fragments of the D2 domain did not allow to perform phylogenetic inferences on species within the brasiliensis complex, because the gene alignment composed of a matrix with 37 specimens exhibited only two variable sites along the 567 base pairs used. Furthermore, if all South American species are included, only four variable sites were detected, reflecting the high degree of gene conservation. Therefore, we do not recommend the use of this gene for phylogenetic reconstruction for this group of Chagas disease vectors.

Reproductive Biology of Triatoma brasiliensis (Hemiptera, Triatominae) During the Imaginal Molt.

The triatomines are vectors of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, etiologic agent of Chagas disease. These insects are sexually active after the imaginal molt. Some aspects have been studied in Triatoma brasiliensis during the imaginal molt, such as autogeny in virgin females and the relationship between blood ingestion by fifth instar nymph and the realization of the imaginal molt. Thus, to aid in the understanding of reproductive biology and developmental physiology of these vectors, this article analyzes the spermatogenesis of T. brasiliensis during the imaginal molt. The analysis of the seminiferous tubules from males in the fifth instar during imaginal molt has demonstrated that T. brasiliensis has only a few spermatids and a plentiful quantity of sperm. Thus, we suggest that during imaginal molt the cell division is disrupted aiming to reduce energy costs and the differentiation into sperm is stimulated to ensure the paternity of the adult male.

Revalidation of Triatoma bahiensis Sherlock & Serafim, 1967 (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) and phylogeny of the T. brasiliensis species complex.

Triatoma bahiensis Sherlock & Serafim, 1967, T. lenti Sherlock & Serafim, 1967, and T. pessoai Sherlock & Serafim, 1967 were described based on material collected in the Brazilian state of Bahia. These species were later included in the T. brasiliensis complex based on their geographic distribution. Triatoma bahiensis and T. pessoai were subsequently synonymized with T. lenti. However, the phylogenetic position of T. lenti within the T. brasiliensis complex has remained doubtful. This study aims to assess the taxonomic status of T. bahiensis and to infer the phylogenetic relationships between T. lenti, T. bahiensis and the other members of the T. brasiliensis species complex. The identities of the species in concern were confirmed by comparisons with high resolution photos of the respective type materials; lectotypes are designated for T. pessoai and T. bahiensis. Morphological, morphometric, molecular, and cytogenetic approaches as well as experimental crosses were used. The low viability of experimental crosses combined with morphological and morphometric data allow the differentiation of T. bahiensis and T. lenti. Pairwise cyt b sequence divergence between T. lenti and T. bahiensis was 2.5%. Cytogenetic and molecular analyses grouped T. lenti and T. bahiensis as members of the T. brasiliensis complex. These results revalidate the specific status of T. bahiensis.

Distribution of constitutive heterochromatin in two species of triatomines: Triatoma lenti Sherlock and Serafim (1967) and Triatoma sherlocki Papa, Jurberg, Carcavallo, Cerqueira & Barata (2002).

Triatoma lenti and Triatoma sherlocki are hemipterans that belong to the brasiliensis subcomplex. In triatomines, the constitutive heterochromatin pattern is species-specific and allows, in many cases, for the grouping of species. Thus, we cytogenetically analyzed T. sherlocki and T. lenti using C-banding, and we compared the results with previous ones obtained in other species of the brasiliensis subcomplex. Both species were found to have a male diploid chromosome number of 22 chromosomes (2n=20A+XY) with heterochromatic blocks at one or both chromosomal ends of all autosomal pairs. During early meiotic prophase, they showed a large heteropycnotic chromocenter constituted by the association of both sex chromosomes plus two autosomal pairs and many heterochromatic blocks dispersed inside the nucleus. All of these cytogenetic characteristics are similar to those observed in other species of brasiliensis subcomplex, results which confirm the grouping of T. sherlocki and T. lenti within this subcomplex. However, we emphasize the importance of other approaches, such as molecular analysis, to confirm the placement of T. lenti within the brasiliensis subcomplex.

Lesões de pele em recém-nascidos e lactentes / Lesion of skinin newborns and infants / Lesiones de piel en recién nacidos y lactantes

Estudo transversal, descritivo, quantitativo, com o objetivo de analisar os fatores associados às lesões de pele em recém-nascidos e lactentes atendidos no ambulatório de puericultura de um hospital universitário em Recife/PE. Foi desenvolvido mediante entrevistas com 105 mães e inspeção da pele das crianças entre junho e agosto de 2011. Os dados foram analisados no Epiinfo versão 6.04. Os fatores associados às lesões de pele foram investigados com Testes Qui-Quadrado e Fisher. As lesões ocorreram em 81(77,1%) crianças. Observou-se que 38(46,9%) delas apresentaram pápula e em 50(61,7%) as lesões se encontravam na região cefálica. Mais de 83% das crianças que usavam xampu ou condicionador na higiene e amaciante e/ou sabão em pó na lavagem das roupas apresentavam lesões. Os problemas de pele apresentaram alta prevalência na população estudada, sugerindo a necessidade de ações de enfermagem envolvendo orientações nos cuidados da pele.

Study transversal, descriptive, quantitative, with the object of analyze the factors associated to skin’s injuries in newborn and infants treated in the puericulture outpatient of a university hospital in Recife/PE. Was developed by interviews involving 105 mothers and inspection of the skin of children between june and august of 2011. Data were analyzed in the Epi info version 6.04.The factors associated with skin’s injuries were investigated with Test Chi-square and Fisher.The injuries occurred in 81(77.1%) of children. It was observed that 38(46.9%) of the children presented wheal and 50(61.7%) of lesions were in the cephalic region. Over 83% of the children who used shampoo or conditioner in hygiene and softener and/or soap powder for washing clothes presented lesions.The skin’s problems presented high prevalence in the population studied, suggesting the necessity of nursing actions involving orientations in the cares skin.

Estudio transversal, descriptivo, cuantitativo, con el objetivo de analizar los factores asociados a problemas de piel en recién nacidos y lactantes atendidos en el ambulatorio de puéricultura de un hospital universitário en Recife/PE-Brasil. Fue desarrollado mediante entrevistas con 105 madres y inspección de la piel de los niños entre junio e agosto de 2011. Los datos fueron analizados en el Epiinfo version 6.04. Los factores asociados a lesiones de piel fueron investigados con Testes Qui-cuadrado y Fisher. Las lesiones ocurrieron en 81(77,1%)niños. Se observóque 38(46,9%)de los niños presentaron pápula y 50(61,7%) de las lesiones fueron en la región cefálica. Más de83% de los niños que usaban champú o acondicionador en la higiene y suavizante y/o jabón en polvo en la lavado de las ropas presentaron lesiones. Los problemas de piel presentaron alta prevalencia, sugiriendo la necesidad de acciones de enfermería envolviendo orientaciónes en los cuidados de la piel.