TO: Campus Community
FROM: John G. Hildebrand, Director, ARL Division of Neurobiology
SUBJECT: KISSING BUGS WANTED
Teresa Gregory, Pablo Guerenstein, John Hildebrand and Carolina Reisenman in
the Arizona Research Laboratories Division of Neurobiology are running a
project to study kissing bugs (Triatominae: Reduviidae). These bloodsucking
insects are vectors of Chagas' Disease, an infection caused by the parasite
Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease is transmitted locally in South America,
Central America and Mexico, and very rarely in the United States. In the
US, these insects warrant serious attention because of the allergic
reactions their bite can cause.
As part of the project, these investigators are collecting kissing bugs
found in houses in Tucson and the surrounding area. We want to learn: (1)
which species of Triatomines are here, and (2) if they are infected with the
parasite.
These nocturnal bugs are attracted by light during their dispersal season
(which is approaching soon). It is common for people living in the outskirts
of the city to find them in and around their homes. If you see them, it
would be very helpful if you could collect the bugs and provide them to the
researchers (preferably alive!). It is actually quite easy to catch them --
just use any jar, a film canister, etc. Just don't touch them. It is
important that when you bring bugs to the investigators to write down your
name and the place and date of the collection, so that proper records can be
maintained.
Kissing bugs should be delivered to:
Dr. Carolina Reisenman
ARL Division of Neurobiology
Gould-Simpson 613
1040 E. 4th St.
University of Arizona
Tucson AZ 85721-0077
Tel: (520) 621 6631
See pictures of 2 of the most common species found in this area at the
following web site:
Find more information at the following web sites:
.htm
and at the project's recently launched Website!
Thanks very much for your help!
Pablo Guerenstein (
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) for more information.
