Advances, pitfalls, and challenges in triatomine genomics
Juan David Ramírez1, Stivenn Gutierrez2, Mariana Rozo2
1Center for Global Health and Inter-Disciplinary Research, USF Genomics Program, Department of Global, Environmental and Genomic Health Sciences, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; Centro de Investigaciones en Microbiologia y Biotecnologia-UR (CIMBIUR), School of Sciences and Engineering, Universidad del Rosario, Bogota, Colombia.
Trends in Parasitology
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Genomic advancements are illuminating the diversity of triatomine bugs, crucial vectors of Chagas
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne diseases
- Genomics
- Entomology
Background:
- Chagas' disease is a neglected tropical infection transmitted by diverse triatomine bugs.
- Genomic resources for triatomines lag behind those for other vectors like mosquitoes and ticks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the current state and future potential of triatomine genomics.
- To identify critical gaps and opportunities in triatomine genomic research for Chagas' disease control.
Main Methods:
- Leveraging recent advances in long-read sequencing and chromosome-level assemblies.
- Investigating key triatomine traits relevant to disease transmission.
Main Results:
- Genomic studies are beginning to enable research into triatomine domiciliation, dispersal, feeding, and insecticide resistance.
- Significant gaps remain in species representation, transcriptomic data, genome editing, and population-scale studies.
Conclusions:
- Triatomine genomics is at a pivotal stage with potential to significantly impact Chagas' disease surveillance and vector control.
- Addressing current research gaps is essential to fully realize the potential of triatomine genomics.
