Analysis of Triatoma gerstaeckeri microbiota next-generation sequencing data

The Triatominae subfamily of Reduviidae (Hemiptera), collectively known as kissing or conenose bugs, consists of hematophagous insects which serve as vectors for the kinetoplastid parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent for Chagas disease, or American trypanosomiasis, in humans.  Prior analyses suggest relationships between the presence of T. cruzi and endosymbiotic bacteria in the digestive tract of members of Triatominae.  In this study, the 16S genes of the microbiota of Triatoma gerstaeckeri was catalogued using next-generation sequencing.  Multiple analyses were performed and compared in an effort to target the most efficient method for examination of these relationships. Identifying components of the microbiome in a culture-independent manner expands on the knowledge previously limited by older technology.  Analyzed specimens were collected in Kingsville, Texas and included male and female insects, as well as those that had and had not taken a bloodmeal before collection.  Extractions of DNA were performed on tissue from the caudal region of the abdomen of each specimen.  T. cruzi presence was detected with PCR analysis, and the presence of T. cruzi, as well as other variables, were compared with the bacteria present in each specimen.