Refractoriness of Sergentomyia schwetzi to Leishmania spp. is mediated by the peritrophic matrix.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The peritrophic matrix (PM) is an acellular chitin-containing envelope which in most blood sucking insects encloses the ingested blood meal and protects the midgut epithelium. Type I PM present in sand flies and other blood sucking batch feeders is secreted around the meal by the entire midgut in response to feeding. Here we tested the hypothesis that in Sergentomyia schwetzi the PM creates a physical barrier that prevents escape of Leishmania parasites from the endoperitrophic space.

Methodology/principal findings

Morphology and ultrastructure of the PM as well the production of endogenous chitinase in S. schwetzi were compared with three sand fly species, which are natural vectors of Leishmania. Long persistence of the PM in S. schwetzi was not accompanied by di

SUBMITTER: Sadlova J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5902042 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature