Effects of fasting on the interplay between temperature and Trypanosoma cruzi infection on the life cycle of the Chagas disease vector Rhodnius prolixus.

ABSTRACT: Rhodnius prolixus, a triatomine insect, is one of the most important vectors of Chagas disease in South America. Its interaction with the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of this disease, is known to be deeply affected by ambient temperature and the nutritional status of the insect vector. In this study, we investigated how starvation affects the life cycle of R. prolixus and the population dynamics of the parasite inside the intestine of the vector at four temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C. The weights and molting times of chronically infected and uninfected insects were monitored through repeated 30-day fasting periods from first instar to adult stage, assessing their capacity to retain blood meal weight between developmental stages and tracking parasite concentration

SUBMITTER: Loshouarn H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11581405 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature