Reproductive aspects of Chagas disease vectors (Hemiptera, Triatominae) with anatomical teratologies

Abstract

As Chagas disease has no cure, vector control is the most effective method of preventing this neglected disease. Generally the anatomical teratologies are associated with hormonal dysfunction of the corpus allatum (juvenile hormone), presents genetic basis or unfavorable conditions, and are recessive and not sex linked. Thus, we characterize the male gonads and spermatogenesis of triatomines with anatomical teratologies to evaluate if the malformations interfere in the gametogenesis of these vectors. All teratogenic triatomines analyzed did not present presented gonadal dysgenesis and alterations in spermatogenesis. Thus, we characterize the presence of anatomical teratologies in some species of triatomines and demonstrate that these malformations in the external morphology do not interfere in the gonads and gametogenesis of these vectors. In addition, although new studies with the corpus allatum should be conducted we suggesting that the use of juvenile hormones does not present effectiveness in the reproductive control of these vectors.