Lectins of distinct specificity in Rhodnius prolixus interact selectively with Trypanosoma cruzi

Lectins of different activities were found in the crop, midgut, and hemolymph of the insect Rhodnius prolixus. These were not specific for N-acetyl-D-mannosamine, alpha-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine, and alpha- and beta-galactose, respectively. Lectin receptors were detectable in epimastigote but not in trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi, a protozoan parasite of the insect and of humans.