Differential antioxidant enzyme profiles reveal early molecular signatures of virulence in <i>Trypanosoma cruzi</i> DTU-TcI and DTU-TcVI strains.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, exhibits significant genetic and phenotypic diversity that influences clinical outcomes. Antioxidant enzymes are crucial for parasite survival under host-induced oxidative stress, yet their role as determinants of virulence remains underexplored.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize and compare early antioxidant responses between the virulent T. cruzi CL Brener clone and a non-virulent strain isolated from Arequipa, Peru, to test the hypothesis that elevated antioxidant enzyme expression is associated with parasite virulence.

Methods

A reactivation protocol using Triatoma infestans restored infectivity in the non-virulent Arequipa strain. Comparative analyses were performed

SUBMITTER: Ayala EV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12698546 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature