The development of Blastocrithidia triatomae (Trypanosomatidae) in the reduviid bug Triatoma infestans (Insecta): influence of feeding

• Published in: Parasitology research (1987) 2003-04, Vol.89 (6), p.430-436
• Main Authors: KOLLIEN, Astrid H, SCHAUB, Günter A
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animal and plant ecology; Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Animals; Autoecology; Biological and medical sciences; Eating; Feces - parasitology; Feeding Behavior; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Host-Parasite Interactions; Intestine, Small - parasitology; Protozoa. Invertebrata; Rectum - parasitology; Time Factors; Triatoma - growth & development; Triatoma - parasitology; Trypanosomatina - growth & development; Trypanosomatina - metabolism
• ISSN: 0932-0113; 1432-1955
• DOI: 10.1007/s00436-002-0790-5

The population density and composition of an established infection of Blastocrithidia triatomae in the intestinal tract of fifth instars of Triatoma infestans were compared in unfed bugs, at 4 h and up to 15 days after feeding, and also in feces and urine deposited in the first 4 h after feeding. In unfed bugs, about 1-2 million B. triatomae colonized the small intestine and rectum, mainly epimastigotes (85% and 80%, respectively). During excretion, the percentage of cysts increased within the first two drops (from 15% to 35%) and then decreased slowly, indicating a washing-out of these unattached stages. The initial reduction in the B. triatomae population lasted up to 6 days after feeding. By 15 days after feeding, the populations had strongly increased in the small intestine and rectum, to 22 million and 2 million flagellates, respectively, as had cysts, comprising some 50% of the total population in the rectum.