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13:55
Sexual Transmission of American Trypanosomes from Males and Females to Naive Mates
Published on: January 27, 2019
Triatominae-Trypanosoma cruzi/T. rangeli: Vector-parasite interactions
G A Vallejo1, F Guhl, G A Schaub
1Universidad del Tolima, Barrio Santa Helena, Ibagué, Colombia. gvallejo@ut.edu.co
Acta Tropica
|November 11, 2008
Summary
Triatomine bugs transmit Chagas disease parasites like Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. Their interactions with specific parasite strains and gut bacteria influence disease spread and vector health.
Area of Science:
- * Vector-borne diseases
- * Parasitology
- * Molecular biology
Background:
- * Triatominae subfamily bugs are key vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease.
- * These vectors also transmit Trypanosoma rangeli, which is non-pathogenic to mammals but can harm vectors.
- * Trypanosoma cruzi has two main lineages (I and II) with five subdivisions (IIa-IIe), while T. rangeli has two forms (KP1+, KP1-) and four subpopulations (A-D).
Purpose of the Study:
- * To explore the complex interactions between trypanosome species/subpopulations and Triatominae vectors.
- * To understand how these interactions shape the epidemiology of Chagas disease in Latin America.
- * To investigate co-evolutionary processes and transmission mechanisms between parasites and vectors.
Main Methods:
- * Classification of Trypanosoma cruzi lineages and subdivisions using molecular methods (24Salpha rRNA, 18S rRNA).
- * Differentiation of Trypanosoma rangeli forms and subpopulations based on kinetoplast DNA, intergenic mini-exon, and SSU rRNA.
- * Analysis of trypanosome-triatomine interactions and their impact on vector biology.
Main Results:
- * Specific trypanosome subpopulations are often transmitted by particular vector species in defined geographic areas.
- * Trypanosome-vector interactions influence parasite evolution, distribution, and transmission efficiency.
- * Trypanosomes interfere with essential gut symbionts in vectors, impacting vector development and reproduction; T. rangeli significantly reduces symbiont numbers in Rhodnius species.
Conclusions:
- * Understanding trypanosome-vector interactions is crucial for deciphering Chagas disease epidemiology and evolution.
- * Co-evolutionary studies can reveal mechanisms of parasite transmission and vector competence.
- * Interference with gut symbionts by trypanosomes, particularly T. rangeli, is a key factor in vector pathogenicity and transmission dynamics.
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