Parasite-mediated interactions within the insect vector: <it>Trypanosoma rangeli</it> strategies

• Main Authors: Garcia Eloi S, Castro Daniele P, Figueiredo Marcela B, Azambuja Patrícia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2012-05-01
• Series: Parasites & Vectors
• Subjects: <it>Trypanosoma rangeli</it>; <it>Rhodnius prolixus</it>; Parasite and vector interactions; Parasite development
• Online Access: http://www.parasitesandvectors.com/content/5/1/105

<p>Abstract</p> <p><it>Trypanosoma rangeli</it> is a protozoan that is non-pathogenic for humans and other mammals but causes pathology in the genus <it>Rhodnius</it>. <it>T. rangeli</it> and <it>R. prolixus</it> is an excellent model for studying the parasite-vector interaction, but its cycle in invertebrates remains unclear. The vector becomes infected on ingesting blood containing parasites, which subsequently develop in the gut, hemolymph and salivary glands producing short and large epimastigotes and metacyclic trypomastigotes, which are the infective forms. The importance of the <it>T. rangeli</it> cycle is the flagellate penetration into the gut cells and invasion of the salivary glands. The establishment of the parasite depends on the alteration of some vector defense mechanisms. Herein, we present our understanding of <it>T. rangeli</it> infection on the vector physiology, including gut and salivary gland invasions, hemolymph reactions and behavior alteration.</p>