Karyotype Evolution of Chagas Disease Vectors (Hemiptera, Triatominae).

The Triatominae subfamily is composed of 153 hematophagous species that are potential vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi , the etiological agent of Chagas disease. Karyotypic studies in triatomines were initiated in 1909. There are 92 karyotypes described, all grouped into the tribes Rhodniini and Triatomini. Recently, a phylogenetic study of the triatomines that combines molecular data with geological changes was performed. We now discuss how the karyotype evolved with the diversification of the triatomines.