We report the molecular characterization of a middle repetitive DNA se
quence, named C6, isolated from the Trypanosoma cruzi genome. C6 appea
rs to be a composite repeated element since 3 subregions may be define
d within it on the basis of sequence similarities with other T. cruzi
genomic sequences. Sequences homologous to C6 are interspersed in the
genome and can be mapped out on most chromosomal bands of different T.
cruzi. strains. The copy number of the C6 element is about 1000 per h
aploid genome. Given the species specificity and different genomic dis
tribution of C6 homologous sequences among the T. cruzi strains the C6
element could be a useful probe for diagnosis and typing of parasites
. C6 is a polymorphic marker with potential as a tool for physical map
ping of the T. cruzi genome.