Title
Quantitative imagery analysis of spot patterns for the three-haplogroup classification of Triatoma dimidiata (Latreille, 1811) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), an important vector of Chagas disease
Date Issued
01 December 2021
Access level
open access
Resource Type
journal article
Author(s)
Publisher(s)
BioMed Central Ltd
Abstract
Background: Spots and coloring patterns evaluated quantitatively can be used to discriminate and identify possible cryptic species. Species included in the Triatoma dimidiata (Reduviidae: Triatominae) complex are major disease vectors of Chagas disease. Phylogenetic studies have defined three haplogroups for Mexico and part of Central America. We report here our evaluation of the possibility of correctly discriminating these three T. dimidiata haplogroups using the pattern of the dorsal spots. Methods: Digital images of the dorsal region of individuals from the three haplogroups were used. Image processing was used to extract primary and secondary variables characterizing the dorsal spot pattern. Statistical analysis of the variables included descriptive statistics, non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis tests, discriminant function analysis (DFA) and a neural classification network. Results: A distinctive spot pattern was found for each haplogroup. The most differentiated pattern was presented by haplogroup 2, which was characterized by its notably larger central spots. Haplogroups 1 and 3 were more similar to each other, but there were consistent differences in the shape and orientation of the spots. Significant differences were found among haplogroups in almost all of the variables analyzed, with the largest differences seen for relative spot area, mean relative area of central spots, central spots Feret diameter and lateral spots Feret diameter and aspect ratio. Both the DFA and the neural network had correct discrimination values of > 90%. Conclusions: Based on the results of this analysis, we conclude that the spot pattern can be reliably used to discriminate among the three haplogroups of T. dimidiata in Mexico, and possibly among triatomine species. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]
Volume
14
Issue
1
Language
English
OCDE Knowledge area
Parasitología
Subjects
Scopus EID
2-s2.0-85100122465
PubMed ID
Source
Parasites and Vectors
ISSN of the container
17563305
Sources of information:
Directorio de Producción Científica
Scopus