Book gathers information about vectors of Chagas disease

Providing scientific knowledge about the different aspects of the Triatominae, the insects that spread Chagas disease, also known as kissing bugs, is the goal of the book Triatominae: the biology of Chagas disease vectors. The book has 20 chapters about natural history and the evolution of the subfamily, its taxonomy, physiology, interaction with parasites, control of the insect, and its resistance to pesticides, among other topics.

Arranged by researchers Alessandra Guarneri and Marcelo Lorenzo, both from René Rachou Institute (IRR/Fiocruz Minas), this book is part of the Entomology in Focus collection, published by Springer Publishing, in a partnership with the Entomological Society of Brazil (SEB), coordinated by professor Simon Elliot from the Federal University of Viçosa. There are a total of 620 pages, which have the contribution of approximately 40 authors from different countries.

“We invited the main references in each one of the areas that the book covers to write the chapters. It is, undoubtedly, a book that fills a gap in terms of literature, because it consolidates the knowledge that had been produced over the years, covering nearly all spheres of knowledge regarding the Triatominae”, states researcher Marcelo Lorenzo.

According to the organizers, the book is one of the few in the entire available global literature to bring, in a single volume, a wide range of approaches to the subject in the English language, which ensures a projection in the international scenario. “We have the participation of authors from many different countries, and it takes the internationalization to a whole new level. It is, undoubtedly, a way of spreading the knowledge produced in Brazil, since many of the authors are in Brazilian institutions, which definitely brings us to the global scenario”, highlights researcher Alessandra Guarneri.

In addition to proposing an updated revision of what has been written about the Triatominae, according to the organizers, the book also brings new knowledge, since, while writing their texts, many authors adopted an original perspective. The expectation is that the book becomes an important reference source to researchers, students and everyone who is interested in the subject.

The book Triatominae: the biology of Chagas disease vectors can be purchased on Springer Publishing’s website, both in ebook and paperback formats.

About the Organizers:

Alessandra Guarneri has PhD and Masters degrees in Parasitological Biology from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. She is a full researcher and leader of the Group of Vectors’ Behavior and Interaction with Pathogens of the René Rachou Institute (IRR\Fiocruz Minas).

Marcelo Lorenzo is a PhD in Biological Sciences by the University of Buenos Aires and post-doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires, Fiocruz and Swedish Agricultural University. He is a full researcher and vice-leader of the Group of Vectors’ Behavior and Interaction with Pathogens of the René Rachou Institute (IRR\Fiocruz Minas).