A Simplified Method for Sample Collection and DNA Isolation for Polymerase Chain Reaction Detection of Trypanosoma rangeli and Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatomine Vectors

Due to the overlapping distribution of Trypanosoma rangeli and T. cruzi in Central and South America, sharing several reservoirs and triatomine vectors, we herein describe a simple method to collect triatomine feces and hemolymph in filter paper for further detection and specific characterization of these two trypanosomes. Experimentally infected triatomines feces and hemolymph were collected in filter paper and specific detection of T. rangeli or T. cruzi DNA by polymerase chain reaction was achieved. This simple DNA collection method allows sample collection in the field and further specific trypanosome detection and characterization in the laboratory.

Keywords
Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma rangeli, polymerase chain reaction, triatomines, Dipetalogaster maximus