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Membrane feeding for infection of the reduviid bugTriatoma infestans withBlastocrithidia triatomae (Trypanosomatidae) and pathogenic effects of the flagellate

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Abstract

To investigate the pathogenic effects of the trypanosomeBlastocrithidia triatomae onTriatoma infestans, a method for direct infection by in vitro feeding was developed. After isolation ofB. triatomae cysts from infected dead bugs, a suspension of cysts was disinfected with Desogen and Chloramin T, then mixed with sterile blood, spread on a sterile, parallel-grooved glass plate or a hammered aluminium plate and covered with a thin, sterile silicone membrane. The blood and plate were warmed to 36°–38° C by a heating plate. For investigation of the pathological effects, first instars ofT. infestans were allowed to feed through the membrane on a mixture containing 106 cyst stages/cm3 blood. Development of about 30% of the third and fourth instar larvae was retarded as compared with that in uninfected control groups, and mortality rates increased in fourth and/or fifth instar larvae. Whereas total mortality rates of about 5% occurred in control groups, about 85% of the larvae died in the infected groups. These effects are very similar to those obtained in previous studies with coprophagic infections.

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  1. Institut für Biologie I (Zoologie), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Albertstrasse 21a, D-7800, Freiburg, Germany

    G. A. Schaub

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Schaub, G.A. Membrane feeding for infection of the reduviid bugTriatoma infestans withBlastocrithidia triatomae (Trypanosomatidae) and pathogenic effects of the flagellate. Parasitol Res 76, 306–310 (1990). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00928184

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