Objective * To improve knowledge of the biology and population genetics of Triatoma brasiliensis in support of entomological surveillance and control activities against Chagas disease in North East Brazil, including development of genetic and/or phenetic markers suitable for identifying the source of new infestations.* To encourage greater collaboration between research scientists and Chagas disease control authorities throughout the arid Caatinga of North East Brazil.Expected Outcome* improved geographic database of T. brasiliensis distribution* establishment of laboratory colonies from well characterised localities* basic life-table data under different laboratory conditions* discriminant analysis based on 11-18 morphometric variables and ratios, and on up to 25 gene loci represented by isoenzymes* preliminary karyotype analysis and RAPD data* analysis of geographic structuring of T. brasiliensis populations, and preliminary estimates of gene dispersal between neighbouring populations* detailed characterisation of field trial localities, and liaison with industries interested to participate in field trials* laboratory flight studies indicating key factors influencing flight initiation* possible genetic markers for flight capacity* field studies using light traps to estimate potential flight range* morphometric and genetic characterisations suitable for analysis of reinfestations* evaluation of reinfestations following control trials, and reassessment of morphometric and biochemical profiles.(Note that during the course of this work we also expect to gather preliminary data on other species of Triatominae found in the same region as T. brasiliensis, which might become of greater epidemiological significance in the future.)* Background field work in selected municipalities of Ceara and Piaui* Establishment of laboratory colonies for comparative genetic analysis and studies of population growth rates and flight physiology* Monitoring of reinfestation rates following trial control interventions using modern pyrethroid insecticides* Analysis of reinfestant populations to determine population structure and origin* Technical workshop with control personnel from 8 north-eastern states (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceara, Paraiba, Pernambuco, Piaui, Sergipe, Rio Grande do Norte) to discuss results and refine operational control and surveillance methods.* Formal presentation of recommendations to Ministry of Health. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencenatural sciencesbiological sciencesgeneticsnatural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdatabasesmedical and health sciencesbasic medicinephysiology Programme(s) FP4-INCO - Specific research, technological development and demonstration programme in the field of cooperation with third countries and international organizations, 1994-1998 Topic(s) 03010301 - Research on the health systems in the context of the health sector reform Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme CSC - Cost-sharing contracts Coordinator London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine EU contribution No data Address Keppel Street WC1E 7HT London United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data Participants (5) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all FUNDACAO OSWALDO CRUZ - MINISTERIO DA SAUDE Brazil EU contribution No data Address Avenida Brasil 4365 Manguinhos 21045-900 RIO DE JANEIRO See on map Total cost No data Fundacao National de Saude Brazil EU contribution No data Address 70058 Brasilia See on map Total cost No data Fundação Oswaldo Cruz - Ministério daSaude Brazil EU contribution No data Address 1715,Av. Augusto de Lima 30190 Belo Horizonte See on map Total cost No data Institut de Recherche pour le Développement Bolivia EU contribution No data Address Claudio Sanjinez S/N 10 La Paz See on map Total cost No data Universidad de la Republica Uruguay EU contribution No data Address 1674,Tristan Narvaja 11200 Montevideo See on map Total cost No data
