Vectors of diversity: Genome wide diversity across the geographic range of the Chagas disease vector Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

• Published in: Molecular phylogenetics and evolution Vol. 120; pp. 144 - 150
• Main Authors: Justi, Silvia A., Cahan, Sara, Stevens, Lori, Monroy, Carlota, Lima-Cordón, Raquel, Dorn, Patricia L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01-03-2018
• Subjects: Animals; Biogeography; Central America; Chagas disease; Chagas Disease - parasitology; Chagas Disease - pathology; DNA - chemistry; DNA - isolation & purification; DNA - metabolism; Genes, Mitochondrial; Genetic Variation; Genome; Humans; Insect vector; Insect Vectors - genetics; Phylogeny; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Species delimitation; Triatoma - classification; Triatoma - genetics; Triatoma - parasitology; Triatoma dimidiata; Trypanosoma cruzi - physiology; Biogeography; Chagas disease; Insect vector; Phylogeny; Species delimitation; Triatoma dimidiata
• ISSN: 1055-7903; 1095-9513
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ympev.2017.12.016

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•The first phylogeny of a Chagas disease vector based on genome-wide data.•Triatoma dimidiata is one of the most epidemiologically important Chagas disease vectors.•Triatoma dimidiata s. l. is a complex comprised of at least three species.•Nuclear and mitochondrial phylogenies are incongruent, suggesting hybridization and introgression.•Cave specimens form a separate, well-resolved species.
To date, the phylogeny of Triatoma dimidiata sensu lato (s. l.) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae), the epidemiologically most important Chagas disease vector in Central America and a secondary vector in Mexico and northern South America, has only been investigated by one multi-copy nuclear gene (Internal Transcribed Spacer – 2) and a few mitochondrial genes. We examined 450 specimens sampled across most of its native range from Mexico to Ecuador using reduced representation next-generation sequencing encompassing over 16,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Using a combined phylogenetic and species delimitation approach we uncovered two distinct species, as well as a well-defined third group that may contain multiple species. The findings are discussed with respect to possible drivers of diversification and the epidemiological importance of the distinct species and groups.