Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Author Spotlight: Real-Time Monitoring of Parasite Burden and Host Response
Published on: May 31, 2024
What makes an effective Chagas disease vector? Factors underlying Trypanosoma cruzi-triatomine interactions
José A de Fuentes-Vicente1, Ana E Gutiérrez-Cabrera2, A Laura Flores-Villegas3
1Universidad Pablo Guardado Chávez, Libramiento Norte Oriente 3450, CP 29040. Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico; Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico, Circuito Interior, Avenida Universidad 3000, Ciudad Universitaria, 04510, Coyoacán, Distrito Federal, Mexico.
Abstract:
The Chagas disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which infect blood-feeding triatomine bugs to finally reach mammal hosts. Chagas disease is endemic in Latin America, and is ranked among the 13 neglected tropical diseases worldwide. Currently, an estimate of 7 million people is infected by T. cruzi, leading to about 22 000 deaths per year throughout the Americas. As occurs with other vectors, a major question towards control programs is what makes a susceptible bug. In this review, we focus on findings linked to insect gut structure and microbiota, immunity, genetics, blood sources, abiotic factors (with special reference to ambient temperature and altitude) to understand the interactions occurring between T. cruzi and triatomine bugs, under a co-evolutionary scenario. These factors lead to varying fitness benefits and costs for bugs, explaining why infection in the insect takes place and how it varies in time and space. Our analysis highlights that major factors are gut components and microbiota, blood sources and temperature. Although their close interaction has never been clarified, knowledge reviewed here may help to boost the success of triatomine control programs, reducing the use of insecticides.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Factors Influencing Drug Absorption: Disease States and Pharmacology
Substances such as alcohol and specific drugs, including antineoplastics, can also negatively impact drug absorption. For instance,...
Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Injurious Factors
In the antrum region, G cells secrete the gastrin hormone that binds to gastrin-cholecystokinin-B (CCK2) receptors on parietal and enterochromaffin-like (ECL) cells in the fundic glands. Simultaneously, the vagus nerve releases acetylcholine, which binds...
Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Drug Interactions
Displacement interactions can have varying outcomes, ranging from toxicity to virtually...
Transcription Factors
Pathophysiology of Peptic Ulcer Disease: Mucosal Defense Factors

