Related Experiment Videos
Rhodnius prolixus: salivary antihemostatic components decrease with Trypanosoma rangeli infection
E S Garcia1, C B Mello, P Azambuja
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Experimental Parasitology
|May 1, 1994
Summary
Trypanosoma rangeli infection in Rhodnius prolixus salivary glands impairs antihemostatic properties. This affects feeding behavior, increasing intradermal parasite inoculation risk in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Vector-borne diseases
- Parasitology
- Insect physiology
Background:
- Rhodnius prolixus is a vector for Trypanosoma rangeli, a Chagas disease-related parasite.
- Saliva plays a crucial role in blood-feeding success and pathogen transmission by vectors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Trypanosoma rangeli salivary gland infection on Rhodnius prolixus feeding behavior.
- To analyze alterations in salivary antihemostatic properties due to T. rangeli infection.
Main Methods:
- Comparison of feeding behavior on live rabbits versus membrane feeders between infected and uninfected Rhodnius prolixus.
- Biochemical analysis of salivary gland homogenates, including total protein, anticoagulant activity, apyrase activity, and reactive nitrogen groups.
Main Results:
- Infected insects showed increased host skin piercing attempts but reduced blood intake and feeding rate on rabbits.
- These behavioral differences were absent in membrane feeding experiments.
- Salivary glands from infected insects exhibited significantly lower total protein, anticoagulant activity, apyrase activity, and reactive nitrogen groups.
Conclusions:
- T. rangeli infection in Rhodnius prolixus salivary glands compromises antihemostatic functions.
- Impaired antihemostasis affects the vector's ability to locate blood vessels, enhancing intradermal parasite inoculation into mammalian hosts.