[Use of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) in the populational study of Triatoma brasiliensis Neiva, 1911].

We evaluated the genetic variability of Triatoma brasiliensis, the main vector of Chagas disease in Northeast Brazil, using specimens from three populations. Regions of genomic DNA were amplified by RAPD (Random Amplified Polimorphic DNA), using two primers. The products were visualized after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis followed by silver staining. A dendrogram constructed through the Dice similarity coefficient allowed for separation of the tested specimens into three distinct groups. The populations captured in areas from Ceará State showed similar profiles, but different from that captured in Piauí State. Our results indicate that RAPD can be used successfully in triatomine studies and suggest the presence of genetic variability between different populations of T. brasiliensis.