OBJETIVES

The general objective is to provide a coordinated network promoting collaborative research on the biology and control of Triatominae, in support of Chagas disease control programmes throughout Latin America. In addition to basic and applied research, the network also acts as a focus for discussion and liaison between research scientists, operational personnel, and industries involved in Chagas disease control. Research is focused on the comparative population genetics and dispersal (gene flow) of primary and secondary vector species, especially in relation to recolonisation of treated communities and the adaptive mechanisms involved in colonising new domestic and peridomestic habitats. The following species groups are given priority in view of their current vector status and trend to adapt to become more highly domesticated: a) intraspecific studies (especially studies of gene flow and identification of population markers) T. infestans; T. brasiliensis; T. dimidiata; T. rubrofasciata; P. megistus; P. geniculatus; P. rufotuberculatus; R. prolixus; R. pallescens and R. ecuadoriensis. b) interspecific studies (especially genetic differentiation between populations)R. prolixus group; T. infestans group; T. sordida group; T. phyllosoma/dimidiata group; T. barberi/protracta group.     The network is also designed to promote research on less well known species of potential epidemiological significance, to clarify the adaptive processes involved, develop markers for entomological surveillance, and help assess the potential and operational feasibility for control.     The network has been structured by broad geographical region to reflect the distribution of key species groups and current control initiatives. Each has a regional coordinator as follows: (note: the regional groupings used here do not necessarily accord with formal international groupings) a. Mexico and Central America. ECLAT Regional Coordinator: Dr Carlos Ponce, Honduras Key species groups: T. phyllosoma/dimidiata complex; T. protracta/barberi complex; R. prolixus Control initiatives: initiated in Honduras; Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua (Central American Initiative) and Panamá; preliminary reconnaisance in Mexico. No current activities in Belize and Costa Rica. b. Andean Pact Region.  ECLAT Regional Coordinator: Professor Felipe Guhl, Colombia Key species groups: R. prolixus group and related species; P. geniculatus; T. maculata; T. dimidiata. Control initiatives: ongoing in Venezuela; recently initiated in Colombia (Andean Pact Initiative) preliminary surveillance in Ecuador and northern Peru. No activities in Guyana, Suriname or Fr. Guiane. c. Southern Cone countries.  ECLAT Regional Coordinator: Dra Antonieta Rojas de Arias, Paraguay Key species groups: T. infestans and others of the infestans group; T. brasiliensis; T. sordida complex; P. megistus, T. rubrofasciata; some species of Rhodnius Control initiatives: ongoing in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay (Southern Cone initiative); recently initiated in southern Peru.     The regional coordinators maintain contact with network members and with national and regional control services, help to assess local research needs, and provide a preliminary screen for requests for specific activities. These proposals are then passed to the overall network coordinator with recommendations for action.     Each partner in the network, including the coordinators, has specific research activities related to one or more of the vector species groups. In addition, several (designated as network reference centres) provide reference services for other network participants. These involve development and application of particular techniques which are not otherwise available to all participants, quality control and problem solving, data analysis, and assistance where required with the interpretation of results, preparation of manuscripts, and development of further research protocols.