Systematic review on the biology, ecology, genetic diversity and parasite transmission potential of Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille 1811) in Latin America

Abstract

Panstrongylus geniculatus (Latreille, 1811) is the triatomine with the largest geographic distribution in Latin America. It has been reported in 18 countries from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, including the Caribbean islands. Although most reports indicate that P. geniculatus has wild habitats, this species has intrusive habits regarding human dwellings mainly located in intermediate deforested areas. It is attracted by artificial light from urban and rural buildings, raising the risk of transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi. Despite the wide body of published information on P. geniculatus, many knowledge gaps exist about its biology and epidemiological potential. For this reason, we analysed the literature for P. geniculatus in Scopus, PubMed, Scielo, Google Scholar and the BibTriv3.0 databases to update existing knowledge and provide better information on its geographic distribution, life cycle, genetic diversity, evidence of intrusion and domiciliation, vector-related circulating discrete taxonomic units, possible role in oral T. cruzi transmission, and the effect of climate change on its biology and epidemiology.

Fig. 1:. (A) dorsal view of a female Panstrongylus geniculatus: (i) clipeus, (ii) antenna, (iii) compound eye, (iv) leg, (v) pronotum, (vi) scutellum, (vii) connexivum, (viii) wings (hemielytrons); (B) head; (C) pronotum and scutellum; (D) legs; (E) coxa and trochanter; (F) spicules; (G) connexivum. Source: authors.

Fig. 2:. stages of the life cycle of Panstrongylus geniculatus: (A) freshly oviposited eggs; (B) eggs near hatching; (C) hatching; (D) nymph stage N1; (E) nymph stage N2; (F) nymph stage N3; (G) nymph stage N4; (H) nymph stage N5; (I) adult (female); (J) adult (male). Source: authors.

Fig. 3:. continental distribution of Panstrongylus geniculatus. Maps were made with the database reported by Ceccarelli et al.

Fig. 4:. genetic differentiation of Panstrongylus geniculatus in Colombia and Venezuela reported by Caicedo-Garzón et al.

Fig. 5:. geographical distribution in America of Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing units (DTUs) detected in Panstrongylus geniculatus.