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Background: Trypanosoma cruzi presents great variability in morphology, virulence, pathogenicity, avoidance of the host immune system, and antigenic constitution, associated with different clinical manifestations of the disease. Methods: Two strains of T. cruzi were cultivated in liver infusion tryptose to determine growth kinetics, morphometry and molecular characterization using restriction fragment length polymorphism polymerase chain reaction. Results: The biological parameters showed sharp growth by the 7th day. Morphologically, both strains showed short and thin forms and were classified as Group I. Conclusion: Group TcI presents cardiac manifestations and T. sherlocki is adapting to the home environment, requiring attention to future problems.

Summary Canonical mRNA translation in eukaryotes begins with the formation of the 43S pre-initiation complex (PIC). Its assembly requires binding of initiator Met-tRNAiMet and several eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) to the small ribosomal subunit (40S). Compared to their mammalian hosts, trypanosomatids present significant structural differences in their 40S, suggesting substantial variability in translation initiation. Here, we determine the structure of the 43S PIC from Trypanosoma cruzi, the parasite causing Chagas disease. Our structure shows numerous specific features, such as the variant eIF3 structure and its unique interactions with the large rRNA expansion segments (ESs) 9S, 7S, and 6S, and the association of a kinetoplastid-specific DDX60-like helicase. It also reveals the 40S-binding site of the eIF5 C-terminal domain and structures of key terminal tails of several conserved eIFs underlying their activities within the PIC. Our results are corroborated by glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays in both human and T. cruzi and mass spectrometry data., Graphical Abstract, Highlights • Structure of the 43S pre-initiation complex from Trypanosoma cruzi is solved at 3.33 Å • The kinetoplastids’ eIF3 core is a septamer that binds mainly the unique, extended ES7s • A kinetoplastid-specific DDX60-like helicase binds to the 43S PIC entry pore • The 40S positions of eIF5-CTD and key tails of several eIFs are determined, Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease, represents a serious health problem. Bochler et al. solve the structure of the 43S translation pre-initiation complex of this parasite, highlighting numerous features by which it differs from the mammalian complex to stimulate development of new drugs against trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:55:33Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T14:37:17Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0037-86822020000100312.pdf: 2257286 bytes, checksum: fd4aefdb1e7b5d69ac0b601e051e27d2 (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Introduction: The genus Rhodnius in the subfamily Triatominae comprises 20 species, which can transmit Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli. Due to the development of molecular techniques, Triatominae species can now be characterized by mitochondrial and nuclear markers, making it possible to verify and/or correct the existing data on these species. The results achieved in this study provide a more detailed and accurate differentiation of the Rhodnius species, helping the establishment of a more appropriate classification. Methods: Data collection was performed by DNA analysis, morphological and morphometric studies to distinguish four populations of R. neglectus and four of R. prolixus. Phylogenetic data were compared to morphological and morphomctric data. Results: The analysis of Cytb fragments suggests that the four colonies designated to Rhodnius neglectus as well as those of R. prolixus were correctly identified. Conclusions: The morphological characters observed in the specimens of the colonies originally identified as R. prolixus and R. neglectus, such as the presence or absence of collar in the eggs, the patterns of the median process of the pygophore, and anterolateral angle, are consistent with the species. Geometric morphometrics also show an intraspecific variability in R. prolixus. Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Ciencias Biol, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP, Brazil Univ Fed Piaui, Dept Parasitol & Microbiol, Teresina, PI, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Anal Clin, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Ciencias Biol, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Anal Clin, Araraquara, SP, Brazil CAPES: 23038.005285/2011-2012

Chagas disease is a public health problem caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi, and the T. cruzi I (TcI) and T. cruzi II (TcII) groups are considered important genotypes from the clinical point of view. Currently, the groups need to be molecularly analyzed for their identification; thus, we cytogenetically analyzed these groups with the objective of developing more accessible techniques for the characterization of these parasites. TcI and TcII groups were differentiated by nucleus characterization with lacto-acetic orcein (TcI-nucleus with positive heteropycnosis and TcII-nucleus with negative heteropycnosis), emphasizing the importance of the application of this technique for epidemiological and clinical studies of Chagas disease.

Chagas disease is a public health problem caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi, and the T. cruzi I (TcI) and T. cruzi II (TcII) groups are considered important genotypes from the clinical point of view. Currently, the groups need to be molecularly analyzed for their identification; thus, we cytogenetically analyzed these groups with the objective of developing more accessible techniques for the characterization of these parasites. TcI and TcII groups were differentiated by nucleus characterization with lacto-acetic orcein (TcI—nucleus with positive heteropycnosis and TcII—nucleus with negative heteropycnosis), emphasizing the importance of the application of this technique for epidemiological and clinical studies of Chagas disease.

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-06T15:44:48Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-09-01 Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Since spermatheca is able to transport spermatozoa and maintain a specific microenvironment for the storage of viable sperm cells for long periods of time, specific morphofunctional features must be involved in this capacity, and an efficient nutritional and oxygen supply must be required. In this study, we investigated the histological features of spermathecae and fat bodies in six species of three genera of epidemiological importance for Chagas’ disease. The association of the reproductive system with the fat bodies and tracheal system was also focused in these species. The reproductive system, tracheae and fat bodies were fixed in 4% formaldehyde, and embedded in glycol methacrylate. The sections were stained with H.E., picrosirius red and Periodic-Acid Schiff methods for morphological analyses. Paraffin-embedded spermatheca sections were submitted to immunofluorescence for detection of V-ATPase. In P. lignarius, R. montenegrensis and R. prolixus, the spermatheca contains a slightly dilated tubular distal portion. In P. megistus and T. tibiamaculata, the spermatheca shows a large bulbous distal portion, and in T. infestans, a large oval-shaped distal portion. In all species, this portion was surrounded by a thin muscular layer, and the epithelial height varied according to the shape of this terminal portion. All spermathecal proximal portions showed simple columnar epithelium surrounded by a thick muscular layer. The epithelial cells of spermathecae showed PAS-positive cytoplasm and V-ATPase immunofluorescence in the apical surface. Tracheoles and polysaccharide-rich fat body cells were found next or in close contact to the oviduct or spermathecal tissues. The results indicate that the spermatheca proximal portion is related to contraction and sperm transport, whose oxygen and energy supply is guaranteed by the associated tracheal branches and fat bodies. In the storage portion, fat bodies and tracheae seem to be crucial for the maintenance of an optimal spermathecal microenvironment and storage of viable sperm cells. The participation of V-ATPase in the spermathecae epithelial cells may contribute for the maintenance of an optimal luminal milieu to spermatozoa, by alkalinization and/or acidification of lumen, similarly to the other epithelial cell types in insects. Further studies are necessary to clarify the role of this proton pump in the spermathecal epithelial cells. Biology Institute Department of Animal Biology – Parasitology University of Campinas – UNICAMP Department of Morphology and Genetics Federal University of São Paulo University of Araraquara Department of Morphology Dental School of São Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Department of Morphology Dental School of São Paulo State University (UNESP) São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Pharmaceutical Sciences

Chagas disease is a protozoan infection that was identified over a century ago. No drugs are available to treat the indeterminate and determinate chronic phases of the disease. Success of a drug design is dependent on correct biological evaluation. Concerning new drug designs for Chagas disease, it is essential to first identify the most effective, existing, experimental chronic protocols that can be used for comparison purposes. Here, we present a literature review regarding experimental models with chronic Chagas disease to evaluate the efficacy of benznidazole (BZN). We searched literature published in PubMed and Web of Science databases, using these keywords: animal model, BZN, Chagas disease, T. cruzi, and chronic phase, with no timeframe limitations. We excluded articles involving acute phase animal models and/or those without BZN treatment. The selected studies were conducted using different BZN concentrations (10mg-100mg) involving several different periods (5-70 days). Concentrations and durations of use are directly related to side effects, but do not prevent chronic tissue lesions. BZN use during the late/chronic phases of Chagas disease is unable to eliminate amastigote forms present in infected tissues. This study suggests the administration of a lower BZN concentration (

Chagas disease affects between six and seven million people. Its etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, is classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs). The biological study of 11 T. cruzi strains presented here included four parameters: growth kinetics, parasitemia curves, rate of macrophage infection, and serology to evaluate IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3. Sequencing of small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)was performed and the T. cruzi strains were classified into three DTUs. When their growth in liver infusion tryptose medium was represented in curves, differences among the strains could be noted. The parasitemia profile varied among the strains from the TcI, TcII, and TcIII groups, and the 11 T. cruzi strains produced distinct parasitemia levels in infected BALB/c. The TcI group presented the highest rate of macrophage infection by amastigotes, followed by TcII and TcIII. Reactivity to immunoglobulins was observed in the TcI, TcII, and TcIII; all the animals infected with the different strains of T. cruzi showed anti-T. cruzi antibodies. The molecular study presented here resulted in the classification of the T. cruzi strains into the TcI (Bolivia, T lenti, Tm, SC90); TcII (Famema, SC96, SI8, Y); and TcIII (QMM3, QMM5, SI5) groups. These biological and molecular results from 11 T. cruzi strains clarified the factors involved in the biology of the parasite and its hosts. The collection of triatomine (vector) species, and the study of geographic distribution, as well as biological and molecular characterization of the parasite, will contribute to the reporting and surveillance measures in Brazilian states.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-11-26T17:54:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2018-01-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-09T18:27:40Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0036-46652018005000219.pdf: 765663 bytes, checksum: 6fe7a66f29d241e28775abaa74cbc069 (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) This note reports on occurrences of triatomine species in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil, registered between 1988 and 2017. Records of triatomines captured in Sao Paulo are based on specimens received spontaneously from Health Surveillance Centers, Health Centers and Zoonosis Control Centers in the city as well as from citizens. Species were identified morphologically at the Public Health Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Public Health, University of Sao Paulo, where the triatomines, which are vectors of Chagas disease, were tested for Trypanosoma cruzi infection. The first reported occurrence of triatomine bugs in urban Sao Paulo was in 1988. The specimen, which was captured in Jardim Sao Luiz district, was from the genus Panstrongylus and was registered as Panstrongylus sp. but was not sexed. Since this first recorded occurrence, the following species have been found in the city: Panstrongylus geniculatus (2 occurrences), P. megistus (15 occurrences), Triatoma infestans (1 occurrence) and T. sordida (3 occurrences). In this paper, the importance of reporting occurrences of triatomine bugs in the city of Sao Paulo, one of the largest metropolis in the world, is discussed with an emphasis on P. megistus. The occurrences discussed here indicate the importance of entomological surveillance for these vectors even in urban centers although the possibility of vector transmission of Chagas disease in these centers is very low. Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Saude Publ, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Sao Paulo, Inst Med Trop Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Div Vigilancia Zoonoses, Lab Identificacao & Pesquisa Fauna Sinantrop, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Campinas, Dept Biol Anim, Campinas, SP, Brazil Secretaria Estado Saude Sao Paulo, Superintendencia Controle Endemias, Div Programas Especiais, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Secretaria Estado Saude Sao Paulo, Superintendencia Controle Endemias, Dept Combate Vetores, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Ciencias Biol, Araraquara, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Dept Ciencias Biol, Araraquara, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 2012/19238-4

Chagas disease affects between six and seven million people. Its etiological agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, is classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs). The biological study of 11 T. cruzi strains presented here included four parameters: growth kinetics, parasitemia curves, rate of macrophage infection, and serology to evaluate IgM, total IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgG3. Sequencing of small subunit of ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA)was performed and the T. cruzi strains were classified into three DTUs. When their growth in liver infusion tryptose medium was represented in curves, differences among the strains could be noted. The parasitemia profile varied among the strains from the TcI, TcII, and TcIII groups, and the 11 T. cruzi strains produced distinct parasitemia levels in infected BALB/c. The TcI group presented the highest rate of macrophage infection by amastigotes, followed by TcII and TcIII. Reactivity to immunoglobulins was observed in the TcI, TcII, and TcIII; all the animals infected with the different strains of T. cruzi showed anti-T. cruzi antibodies. The molecular study presented here resulted in the classification of the T. cruzi strains into the TcI (Bolivia, T lenti, Tm, SC90); TcII (Famema, SC96, SI8, Y); and TcIII (QMM3, QMM5, SI5) groups. These biological and molecular results from 11 T. cruzi strains clarified the factors involved in the biology of the parasite and its hosts. The collection of triatomine (vector) species, and the study of geographic distribution, as well as biological and molecular characterization of the parasite, will contribute to the reporting and surveillance measures in Brazilian states.

Leishmaniasis is a disease found throughout the (sub)tropical parts of the world caused by protozoan parasites of the Leishmania genus. Despite the numerous problems associated with existing treatments, pharmaceutical companies continue to neglect the development of better ones. The high toxicity of current drugs combined with emerging resistance makes the discovery of new therapeutic alternatives urgent. We report here the evaluation of a binuclear cyclopalladated complex containing Pd(II) and N , N ′-dimethylbenzylamine (Hdmba) against Leishmania amazonensis . The compound [Pd(dmba)(μ-N 3 )] 2 (CP2) inhibits promastigote growth (50% inhibitory concentration [IC 50 ] = 13.2 ± 0.7 μM) and decreases the proliferation of intracellular amastigotes in in vitro incubated macrophages (IC 50 = 10.2 ± 2.2 μM) without a cytotoxic effect when tested against peritoneal macrophages (50% cytotoxic concentration = 506.0 ± 10.7 μM). In addition, CP2 was also active against T. cruzi intracellular amastigotes (IC 50 = 2.3 ± 0.5 μM, selective index = 225), an indication of its potential for use in Chagas disease therapy. In vivo assays using L. amazonensis -infected BALB/c showed an 80% reduction in parasite load compared to infected and nontreated animals. Also, compared to amphotericin B treatment, CP2 did not show any side effects, which was corroborated by the analysis of plasma levels of different hepatic and renal biomarkers. Furthermore, CP2 was able to inhibit Leishmania donovani topoisomerase 1B ( Ld topo1B), a potentially important target in this parasite. (This study has been registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT02169141.)

Zymography assay is a semiquantitative technique, very sensitive, and commonly used to determine metalloproteinase levels in different types of biological samples, including tissues, cells, and extracts of protein. Samples containing metalloproteinases are loaded onto a polyacrylamide gel containing sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and a specific substrate (gelatin, casein, collagen, etc.). Then proteins are allowed to migrate under an electric current and the distance of migration is inversely correlated with the molecular weight. After migration, the gel is placed in a renaturing buffer to allow proteins to regain their tertiary structure, necessary for enzymatic activity (metalloproteinase activity). In the context of infections caused by trypanosomatids (Leishmania spp., Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei), the characterization of metalloproteinase by zymography can contribute to the comprehension of the pathogenesis mechanisms and host-parasite interaction.

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:34:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2017-12-01 Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, is transmitted by triatomines that have been described in a large number of studies. Most of those studies are related to external morphology and taxonomy, but some biochemical, genetic and physiological studies have also been published. There are a few publications in the literature about the internal organs of Triatominae, for instance the spermathecae, which are responsible for storing and maintaining the viability of the spermatozoids until the fertilization of the oocytes. This work aims to study the spermathecae of twelve species of triatomines obtained from the Triatominae Insectarium of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UNESP, Araraquara, using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The spermathecae of the twelve species studied showed three morphological patterns: a) P. herreri sn, P. lignarius, P. megistus, Triatoma brasiliensis, T. juazeirensis, T. sherlocki and T. tibiamaculata have spermathecae with a thin initial portion and an oval-shaped final portion; b) R. montenegrensis, R. nasutus, R. neglectus, R. pictipes and R. prolixus have tubular and winding spermathecae; c) T. infestans has oval spermathecae. In addition to the three morphological patterns, it was noted that each of the twelve species has particular features that differentiate them. Universidade Estadual de Campinas (Unicamp), Campinas Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Araraquara Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de Química, Araraquara Universidade Federal do Piauí Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Araraquara Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Instituto de Química, Araraquara

Made available in DSpace on 2018-12-11T17:28:24Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2016-06-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2019-10-09T18:32:32Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0103-50532016000601032.pdf: 456253 bytes, checksum: b1c4b863c71b9368c94b45ff380db5e1 (MD5) Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) The present study describes the antiprotozoal activities of four cyclopalladated compounds, [Pd(dmba)(μ-Cl)]2 , [Pd(dmba)(NCO)(isn)], [Pd(dmba)(N3)(isn)] and [Pd(dmba)(μ-NCO)]2 , (dmba: N,N'-dimethylbenzylamine and isn: isonicotinamide), against the diseases leishmaniasis (Leishmania amazonensis and Leishmania infantum), Chagas disease (Trypanosoma cruzi) and human African trypanosomiasis (Trypanosoma brucei). [Pd(dmba)(μ-NCO)]2 exhibited good leishmanicidal and trypanocidal activities against L. amazonensis and T. cruzi intracellular amastigote forms, with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50 ) value of less than 9 μM and selectivity indexes of 14.47 and 28.42, respectively. Stability essays were conducted in phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.0 and showed that [Pd(dmba)(μ-NCO)]2 is the most stable molecule. These findings indicate that this compound presented higher selectivity for these parasites than the other tested compounds. The data presented here suggest that this compound should be considered in the development of new and more potent drugs for the treatment of leishmaniasis and Chagas disease. Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP Instituto de Química Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP Instituto de Ciências Biológicas Universidade Estadual de Campinas Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP Instituto de Química Universidade Estadual Paulista UNESP

An isolate of Trypanosoma cruzi obtained from P. megistus captured in the peridomicile area of a home in Santo Antonio do Jardim city in the State of Sao Paulo, denominated T. cruzi Mogi, was characterized biologically and molecularly. The RFLP analysis of the D7 divergent domain in the 24Sα rDNA and of the mini-exon positioned the T. cruzi isolate within the TcI group. Phylogenetic analysis performed with the trypanosomatid barcode confirmed that the isolate belongs to the TcI group, with high homology to the 3014 c1 T.cruzi strain. The biological characterization of the isolate in rats showed a prepatent period of about 8 days, low parasitemia and tropism for cardiac, skeletal and colonic muscles. In Swiss mice the T. cruzi Mogi isolate showed a prepatent period of about 22 days, intermittent parasitemia in some animals, and tropism for cardiac and colonic muscles. Despite the inherent difficulty of identifying correlations amongst the molecular and biological characteristics of different T. cruzi groups, the tropism for colonic muscle demonstrated by T. cruzi Mogi represented a peculiarity of this isolate within the TcI group.

After several public notifications of domiciliary invasions, palm trees were investigated in downtown Monte Alto City, Sao Paulo State, Brazil, in proximity to the city hall building, the main church, condominiums and marketing establishments. One hundred seventy four palm trees of 10 species were investigated, in which 72 specimens of Rhodnius neglectus, a potential Chagas disease vector, were captured via manual methods. All insects were collected from dead leaves, organic debris and bird nests in the only three Livistona australis palm trees in the central park square. This was the first record of R. neglectus colonizing this palm species. Although no Trypanosoma cruzi was found by abdominal compression followed by light microscopy, the poor nutritional status of the bugs hampered the examination of gut contents for parasite detection. Furthermore, the central crowns of the trees, which shelter bats (Chiroptera: Mammalia), could not be carefully searched for insects due to difficult access. This new finding highlights the sudden alteration in insect behavior, probably as a result of man's interference. This report aims to warn those involved in the health system about this new threat, justifying detailed research of the area to evaluate the magnitude of this emerging public health issue.

Orientador: João Aristeu da Rosa Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de Biologia Resumo : A doenca de Chagas, assim como seu agente etiologico Trypanosoma cruzi, foram descritos por Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano das Chagas. T. cruzi e transmitido por hemipteros sendo os generos Panstrongylus, Rhodnius e Triatoma os mais importantes. Com resultados bastante satisfatorios em relacao ao controle do principal vetor, T. infestans, outros triatomineos de importancia secundaria, coletados no peridomicilio, passaram a assumir maior relevancia, dentre essas especies, T. sordida. As populacoes de T. cruzi apresentam grande variabilidade intraespecifica evidenciada por diferencas na morfologia, na virulencia e patogenicidade, na habilidade de evasao a resposta imune do hospedeiro e na constituicao antigenica. Essa diversidade pode estar associada a sua adaptacao e sobrevivencia em diferentes hospedeiros. As diferentes formas de manifestacao clinica da doenca no homem podem ser associadas com cepas especificas ou com marcadores geneticos do hospedeiro, embora ambos possam influenciar o curso da infeccao. Este trabalho objetivou a caracterizacao biologica, morfologica e molecular de tres cepas de T. cruzi (SI5, SI8 e SIGR3) isoladas de T. sordida coletadas em Santo Inacio, Bahia. Desse modo, o estudo biologico indicou que as cepas isoladas de Santo Inacio, pertencem ao Biodema III e Zimodema I. Os resultados das mensuracoes das cepas SI5, SI8 e SIGR3 mostraram polimorfismo das formas tripomastigotas sanguineas, embora com predominancia de formas intermediarias para largura do corpo e curtas para comprimento total do corpo no decurso da infeccao experimental. Foram avaliados para as formas epimastigotas, parametros como comprimento total do corpo, largura e indice nuclear e observamos para as cepas SI5, SI8 e SIGR3 respectivamente, formas intermediaria/intermediaria/baixo, curto/intermediario/baixo e curta/larga/baixo para os parametros descritos acima. O significado geral desse polimorfismo ainda nao foi suficientemente investigado, desconhecendo-se se ele expressa um diferente comportamento biologico das cepas ou se reflete apenas a existencia de um "complexo" morfologico. A caracterizacao molecular das cepas SI5, SI8 e SIGR3, as enquadram no grupo II, o que indica, que nesse local circula uma mesma linhagem de T. cruzi, apesar das mesmas terem sido isoladas de hospedeiros e epocas distintas. Abstract: Chagas disease and its causative agent Trypanosoma cruzi were described by Carlos Ribeiro Justiniano das Chagas. T. cruzi is transmitted by blood-sucking hemipterous and Panstrongylus, Rhodnius and Triatoma are the most important genera. Satisfactory results were achieved to the control of the main vector, T. infestans. However, other bugs of secondary importance, like Triatoma sordida collected around the houses began to assume greater epidemiological importance. The populations of T. cruzi show great variability among individuals demonstrated by differences in morphology, virulence and pathogenicity, ability to evade the host immune response and antigenic constitution. Such diversity may be associated with their adaptation and survival in different hosts. The course of the infection in human may be associated with specific strains or host genetic markers, although both can influence. This aim of this study was the biological, morphological and molecular characterization of three strains of T. cruzi (SI5, and SI8 SIGR3) isolated from T. sordida collected in Santo Inacio, Bahia. The biological study indicated that the isolates from Santo Inacio, belong to Biodeme III Zimodeme I. The results of measurements of the strains SI5, SI8 SIGR3 showed polymorphism of blood trypomastigotes, with a predominance of intermediate forms to body width and short length for total body in the course of experimental infection. Parameters such as: total body length, width and nuclear index were evaluated for epimastigotes, and observed for strains SI5, SI8 and SIGR3 respectively, forms na intermediate / middle / low, short / intermediate / low, short / wide / low for the parameters described above. The general meaning of this polymorphism has not been sufficiently investigated. It is not known if such poliymorphism expresses a different biologic behavior of the strains or merely is a result of a "complex" morphology. According to the molecular characterization the strains SI5, SI8 SIGR3 are in group II, which indicates that in this site it occurs the same lineage of T. cruzi, despite their different sources (isolated from different hosts and different times). Mestrado Parasitologia Mestre em Parasitologia