Triatoma virus pathogenicity in laboratory colonies of Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

In a survey of wild populations of Triatoma infestans (Klug) in Argentina, 10% were infected with Triatoma virus (TrV). The virus also was detected in a laboratory colony 18 mo after being established, with infection rates up to 100%. Mortality rate was 97.6% in nymphs and the molting process was inhibited, thereby increasing development time. Because the virus was detected in colony nymphs, TrV may be transmitted vertically. However, the higher infection rate in the colony compared with natural populations also indicates other route(s) of transmission.