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Effects of Trypanosoma cruzi on the phenoloxidase and prophenoloxidase activity in the vector Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae).

Authors :
Favila-Ruiz G
Jiménez-Cortés JG
Córdoba-Aguilar A
Salazar-Schettino PM
Gutiérrez-Cabrera AE
Pérez-Torres A
De Fuentes-Vicente JA
Vences-Blanco MO
Bucio-Torres MI
Flores-Villegas AL
Cabrera-Bravo M
Source :
Parasites & vectors [Parasit Vectors] 2018 Jul 27; Vol. 11 (1), pp. 434. Date of Electronic Publication: 2018 Jul 27.
Publication Year :
2018

Abstract

Background: Triatomine insects are vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causal agent of Chagas disease. The insect-parasite interaction has been studied in relation to the transmission and prevalence of this disease. For most triatomines, however, several crucial aspects of the insect immune response are still unknown. For example, only for Rhodnius prolixus and Triatoma infestans has the activity of phenoloxidase (PO) and its zymogen prophenoloxidase (proPO) been reported in relation to the hemolymph and anterior midgut (AM). The aim of this study was to gain insight into the immune response to T. cruzi infection of an important triatomine in Mexico, Meccus pallidipennis.<br />Methods: Parasites were quantified in the rectal contents of infected M. pallidipennis groups. We examined some key factors in disease transmission, including the systemic (hemolymph) and local (gut) immune response.<br />Results: Parasites were present in the rectal contents at 4 days post-infection (pi) and reached their maximum density on day 7 pi. At 7 and 9 days pi mainly metacyclic trypomastigotes occurred. Compared to the control, the infected insects exhibited diminished PO activity in the hemolymph on days 9, 16 and 20 pi, and in the AM only on day 9. Additionally, infected insects displayed lower proPO activity in the hemolymph on day 1, but greater activity in the AM on day 28.<br />Conclusions: The parasite strain originating from M. pallidipennis rapidly colonized the rectum of nymphs of this triatomine and developed high numbers of metacyclic trypomastigotes. Neither the changes of concentrations of PO and proPO in the hemolymph nor in the AM correlated with the changes in the population of T. cruzi.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1756-3305
Volume :
11
Issue :
1
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Parasites & vectors
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
30053904
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-018-3016-0