Modelling the transmission of trypanosoma cruzi: The need for an integrated genetic epidemiological and population genomics approach

Abstract

This chapter describes what should be an integrated approach to the genetic epidemiology and population genomics of Chagas disease. Many studies have been conducted on the genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi and the various triatomine bug species able to transmit Chagas disease. Far less research has analyzed the role played by the host's genetic variability on the transmission and severity of the disease. An integrated genetic epidemiology/population genomics approach would analyze these three components of the transmission chain together as well as their possible interactions (co-evolution phenomena). This is facilitated by the recent impressive progress in mega biotechnologies and by the fact that Chagas disease is an ideal model for experimental evolution approaches. © 2010 Landes Bioscience and Springer Science+Business Media.