Chagas bugs and trypanosoma cruzi: Puppets and puppeteer?

Authors :: Córdoba-Aguilar A
Source :: Acta tropica [Acta Trop] 2020 Nov; Vol. 211, pp. 105600. Date of Electronic Publication: 2020 Jun 24.
Publication Year :: 2020
Abstract: A widely accepted idea in parasite-host relationships is that the former manipulates the latter so that it increases its own success. In the case of complex life cycles, this means that the parasite is able to manipulate the first host which allows its transmission to the second host. In this paper, I formalize the idea that this may be the case for the Trypanosoma cruzi parasite and its vectors, bugs of the subfamily Triatominae. I discuss the sources of existing evidence and propose some types of manipulation. This manipulation could also occur in the second host, that is, a vertebrate. Here, I emphasize humans and domesticated animals. I also discuss how global change and insecticide resistance may drive the arms race between both, triatomines and T. cruzi, and host manipulation.<br />Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest While submitting the manuscript Chagas bugs and Trypanosoma cruzi: puppets and puppeteer? I want to state that I have no conflict of interest as I am the sole author of this work.<br /> (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)