Infection rates of Triatoma protracta (Uhler) with Trypanosoma cruzi in Southern California and molecular identification of trypanosomes.

We report Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates of the native kissing bug Triatoma protracta in southern California. The rates are within the historically reported range, but differ significantly between the two sites (19% in Escondido and 36% in Glendora). Identification of T. cruzi in T. protracta was conducted for the first time by using partial 18S ribosomal RNA and 24Sα ribosomal RNA sequences. Incongruence of 24Sα ribosomal RNA phylogeny with current T. cruzi genotype classification supports non-clonality of some T. cruzi genotypes.