[The search for the sexual process or its equivalents in the Trypanosomatidae]

Literary evidence on searching for the sexual process in the life cycles of the trypanosomatids are reviewed. Based on the data provided, a; conclusion is made that the stable well-accepted viewpoint on the absence of any genetic exchanges in these flagellates is to be rejected. However, forms and mechanisms of the discovered phenomena are investigated insignificantly. The results reported in the number of publications suggest the presence of the sexual process, at least, in Trypanosoma brucei. But the existence of other forms of genetic exchanges, both in this and in other species, is also possible. The species problem in the trypanosomatids is discussed.