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Microbiome dynamics of T. cruzi vectors was in general studied on two different groups of samples. Firstly, I focused on laboratory colonies of Rhodnius prolixus and their microbiome dynamics thoughout the post feeding period. Secondly, microbiome dynamics and possible T. cruzi effect on microbiome were surveyed on samples originating from natural populations of 5 Triatoma species native to Arizona and Texas.

This study surveys the microbiome of 7 species of bloodsucking bugs from the subfamily Triatominae. Based on the field data and the data generated from the laboratory colonies, the microbiomes have been recognized as species specific and stable in time and space. Furthermore, using the two species, R. prolixus and T. vitticeps, from the laboratory colonies, the study brings insight into the microbiome changes following the host ontogeny. While triatomines serve as the vectors of T. cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, possible effects that this parasite may pose on the microbiome were analyzed. In contrast to the results published on several other host-microbiome-parasite systems, no correlation was found between presence/absence of T. cruzi and triatomine microbiome structure.