Article
Entomology
Nadia A. Fernandez-Santos, Josefina C. Trujillo-Garcia, Sarah A. Hamer, Lihua Wei, Humberto Martinez-Montoya, Patricia Tamez-Guerra, Gabriel L. Hamer, Mario A. Rodriguez-Perez
Summary: This study provides entomological and parasitological data on triatomine vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in a highly endemic region of Mexico. The morphological and molecular identification of four principal domestic species was conducted, and their presence in Oaxaca was documented. The study highlights the importance of accurate identification and understanding of the behavior and infection rates of these triatomines for vector control programs.
Article
Parasitology
Carolina Valenca-Barbosa, Paula Finamore-Araujo, Otacilio C. Moreira, Jose Gabriel Vergara-Meza, Marcus Vinicius Niz Alvarez, Juliana R. Nascimento, Andre Borges-Veloso, Maria Carolina Viana, Mauricio Lilioso, Danilo Ciccone Miguel, Fernanda Ramos Gadelha, Marta Maria Geraldes Teixeira, Carlos Eduardo Almeida
Summary: This study identified different genotypes of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma brasiliensis populations in distinct geographic and ecotypic locations in Brazil. The results showed a clear ecotypic segregation between TcI and TcII, with TcI predominating in peridomestic ecotopes. Additionally, T. brasiliensis from Rio Grande do Norte had a higher T. cruzi load, with TcII having more than twice the parasite load of TcI.
Article
Microbiology
Sofia Ocana-Mayorga, Juan Jose Bustillos, Anita G. Villacis, C. Miguel Pinto, Simone Frederique Breniere, Mario J. Grijalva
Summary: Understanding the blood meal patterns of disease vectors is crucial in developing strategies to decrease human-vector contact. In Ecuador, limited data on Chagas disease infection are available, but active transmission has been demonstrated in endemic areas. This study found that humans are the main food source for triatomines, although birds, particularly chickens, might also play a significant role in maintaining these vectors in certain areas.
Article
Immunology
Hellen Daghero, Romina Pagotto, Cristina Quiroga, Andrea Medeiros, Marcelo A. Comini, Mariela Bollati-Fogolin
Summary: Chagas disease is a life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. This study established and characterized infection models using mouse intestinal organoids, and found that T. cruzi can invade and replicate in intestinal epithelial cells. This provides new opportunities for studying host-pathogen interactions and discovering effective anti-parasitic drugs.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Maria Cristina Oliveira Azevedo Campos, Thainara da Silva Goncalves, Renata Luiz Ursine, Sandra da Silva Barros Marinho, Angel Rodriguez Moreno, Lileia Goncalves Diotaiuti, Renata Fiuza Damasceno, Ariela Ferreira Mota, Antonio Luiz Pinho Ribeiro, Ester Cerdeira Sabino, Thallyta Maria Vieira
Summary: The study evaluated the occurrence, natural infection, and spatial distribution of triatomines in the urban area of Montes Claros, a municipality endemic to Chagas disease in the north of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Chagas disease control program in this area is disjointed, and the diversity of infected triatomines in residential units raises concerns about potential transmission risks to domestic animals and humans.
ZOONOSES AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Natalia Velasquez-Ortiz, Carolina Hernandez, Omar Cantillo-Barraza, Nathalia Ballesteros, Lissa Cruz-Saavedra, Giovanny Herrera, Luz Stella Buitrago, Hugo Soto, Manuel Medina, Jatney Palacio, Marina Stella Gonzalez, Andres Cuervo, Gustavo Vallejo, Liliana Zuleta Duenas, Plutarco Urbano, Marina Munoz, Juan David Ramirez
Summary: A study in Colombia evaluated the parasite loads of 10 species of triatomines. The results showed that 82% of the triatomines were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, with loads ranging from hundreds to millions of equivalent parasites per milliliter. Additionally, species whose role as vectors is still unknown were found with high loads of parasites.
TROPICAL MEDICINE AND INFECTIOUS DISEASE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Carlos A. Flores-Lopez, Elizabeth A. Mitchell, Carolina E. Reisenman, Sahotra Sarkar, Philip C. Williamson, Carlos A. Machado
Summary: This study characterized the genetic diversity of Trypanosoma cruzi circulating in five triatomine species collected in Texas and Southern Arizona. It revealed two main genetic lineages, TcI and a previously unknown lineage called TcIV-USA, which is significantly different from other known T. cruzi lineages. This finding highlights the need for further research on the epidemiological importance and pathogenicity of TcIV-USA.
INFECTION GENETICS AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Olivia A. Reynoso-Ducoing, Berenice Gonzalez-Rete, Elsa Diaz, Frida N. Candelas-Otero, J. Antonio Lopez-Avina, Margarita Cabrera-Bravo, Martha I. Bucio-Torres, Elia Torres-Gutierrez, Paz Maria Salazar-Schettino
Summary: Chagas disease is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, a hemoflagellate protozoan, which is mainly transmitted through contact with infected triatomine bug feces. The interaction between the vector and parasite in the digestive tract of the bug plays a crucial role in the replication and differentiation processes of T. cruzi, potentially affecting its infectivity for vertebrate hosts. A systematic review was conducted to analyze information on transcripts, proteins, and glycoproteins in the guts of fasting, fed, and T. cruzi-infected triatomines from 2000 to 2022, and the findings from 55 original research articles were compiled.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Leidi Herrera, Cruz Manuel Aguilar, Antonio Morocoima, Mercedes Viettri, Maria Lares, Elizabeth Ferrer
Summary: The study demonstrates the underestimation of traditional parasitological diagnostic techniques through the use of molecular markers on samples from triatomine vectors and mammalian hosts. The high infection rates in Rhodnius prolixus and Panstrongylus geniculatus highlight their importance as vectors, while Didelphis marsupialis and Canis familiaris are identified as commonly infected hosts.
INTERNATIONAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Barbara Waldeck, Guenter A. Schaub
Summary: This study investigates the parameters affecting natural infections with Trypanosoma cruzi via the skin. The results show that the diameter of the mouthparts of triatomine vectors determines the size of the channel accessible for T. cruzi during cutaneous infection. The study also reveals the risk of infection by infectious excreta of triatomines deposited near the feeding wound and the low number of invading parasites.
PARASITOLOGY RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Tamires Marielem Carvalho-Costa, Rafael Destro Rosa Tiveron, Maria Tays Mendes, Cecilia Gomes Barbosa, Jessica Coraiola Nevoa, Guilherme Augusto Roza, Marcos Vinicius Silva, Henrique Cesar Pereira Figueiredo, Virmondes Rodrigues, Siomar de Castro Soares, Carlo Jose Freire Oliveira
Summary: The study found that Rhodnius neglectus may be a potential vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. The salivary glands and intestine play crucial roles during blood feeding. Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi significantly alters the physiology of these tissues, providing valuable insights for future research on parasite-vector interactions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Helena Quintero-Pertuz, Ruben Veas-Albornoz, Ileana Carrillo, Fabiola Gonzalez-Herrera, Michel Lapier, Eduino Carbono-Delahoz, Esther del Olmo, Arturo San Feliciano, Ulrike Kemmerling, Claudio Olea-Azar, Carla Delporte, Juan D. Maya
Summary: Research on the Castanedia santamartensis plant in Colombia has identified several compounds with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi, a parasite that causes Chagas disease. Kaurenoic acid was found to be a major component in the plant's extracts, and it may act by disrupting the mitochondrial membrane potential in the parasite. This discovery opens up new avenues for potential treatments for Chagas disease.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Iranildo Jose Da Cruz Filho, Jamerson F. De Oliveira, Aline Caroline S. Santos, Valeria R. A. Pereira, Maria Carmo A. De Lima
Summary: This study evaluated the biological potential of eight 4-(4-chlorophenyl)thiazole compounds. In vitro experiments showed that these compounds exhibited antiparasitic activity against Leishmania amazonensis and Trypanosoma cruzi. Thiazole compounds could be used as potential antiparasitic agents in the future.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Naiara Dutra Barroso Gomes, Emanuel Paula Magalhaes, Lyanna Rodrigues Ribeiro, John Washington Cavalcante, Marcelo Morais Gomes Maia, Felipe Ramon Cunha da Silva, Arif Ali, Marcia Machado Marinho, Emmanuel Silva Marinho, Helcio Silva dos Santos, Alice Maria Costa Martins, Ramon Roseo Paula Pessoa Bezerra de Menezes
Summary: This study evaluated the activity of synthetic p-aminochalcones against T. cruzi and found that they have a trypanocidal effect by causing membrane damage and oxidative stress. Their mechanism of action may be related to inhibition of cruzain and TR.
BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Maria Gabriela Libisch, Natalia Rego, Carlos Robello
Summary: Chagas Disease is caused by the complex taxon T. cruzi, affecting nearly eight million people worldwide. T. cruzi has the ability to infect and interact with almost any nucleated cell, triggering molecular signaling cascades that depend on cell type, strain, and experimental variables. Host cell responses to infection, particularly in the respiratory chain and oxidative phosphorylation, vary depending on the T. cruzi strain and experimental model, while some responses remain consistent across strains, cell types, and conditions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Luis A. C. Tietbohl, Cicero B. Mello, Lucas R. Silva, Izadora B. Dolabella, Thais C. Franco, Jairo J. S. Enriquez, Marcelo G. Santos, Caio P. Fernandes, Francisco P. Machado, Rodrigo Mexas, Patricia Azambuja, Humberto P. Araujo, Wlamir Moura, Norman A. Ratcliffe, Denise Feder, Leandro Rocha, Marcelo S. Gonzalez
JOURNAL OF ESSENTIAL OIL RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Physiology
Bianca Santos Henriques, Eloi Souza Garcia, Patricia Azambuja, Fernando Ariel Genta
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
C. A. C. Araujo, J. P. F. Pacheco, P. J. Waniek, R. B. Geraldo, A. Sibajev, A. L. Dos Santos, V. G. O. Evangelho, P. J. Dyson, P. Azambuja, N. A. Ratcliffe, H. C. Castro, C. B. Mello
Summary: The research describes a rhamnose-binding lectin (RBL) from Rhodnius prolixus, highlighting its potential importance in the immune response and gut microbiota homeostasis of the insect vector. Silencing of RpLec gene led to increased bacterial populations in the midgut of R. prolixus, indicating a role in regulating gut bacteria and immune defenses.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Entomology
Kate Katherine da Silva Batista, Cecilia Stahl Vieira, Emmanuelle Batista Florentino, Karina Francine Bravo Caruso, Paula Thais Pinheiro Teixeira, Caroline da Silva Moraes, Fernando Ariel Genta, Patricia de Azambuja, Daniele Pereira de Castro
JOURNAL OF INSECT PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Fisheries
Cecilia Stahl Vieira, Marcela Barbosa Figueiredo, Caroline da Silva Moraes, Suelen Bastos Pereira, Paul Dyson, Cicero Brasileiro Mello, Daniele Pereira Castro, Patricia Azambuja
Summary: This study investigated the effects of azadirachtin on the immune system and microbiota of Rhodnius prolixus, revealing the inhibition of RpRelish and several AMP genes expression, while upregulation of RpDorsal and defC AMP genes later on; furthermore, the treatment also impacted on proliferation of commensal bacteria.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andre C. Pimentel, Renata O. Dias, Thais D. Bifano, Fernando A. Genta, Clelia Ferreira, Walter R. Terra
INSECT BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Physiology
Bianca Santos Henriques, Bruno Gomes, Pedro Lagerblad Oliveira, Eloi de Souza Garcia, Patricia Azambuja, Fernando Ariel Genta
Summary: The study revealed different tissue prevalence and activity patterns of proteases in Rhodnius prolixus, a vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, during the blood digestion process. The findings suggest a sequential protease secretion system based on midgut cathepsins in R. prolixus, which may have implications for the development of new control strategies to prevent parasite transmission. The study also showed adaptative convergence in blood-sucking vectors from different orders in terms of timing of protease secretion.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marcia Gumiel, Debora Passos de Mattos, Cecilia Stahl Vieira, Caroline Silva Moraes, Carlos Jose de Carvalho Moreira, Marcelo Salabert Gonzalez, Andre Teixeira-Ferreira, Mariana Waghabi, Patricia Azambuja, Nicolas Carels
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR BIOSCIENCES
(2020)
Article
Instruments & Instrumentation
J. J. S. Enriquez, G. Sena, M. Cataldi, L. H. M. da Silveira, D. Braz, R. C. Barroso, M. Colaco, G. Fidalgo, L. P. Nogueira, P. Azambuja, C. N. Spiegel, M. S. Gonzalez
Summary: This study developed a methodology to print 3D replicas of insects using X-Ray synchrotron microtomography, demonstrating that combining microtomography with 3D printing can be a powerful tool to obtain accurate 3D replicas of insects for anatomical studies.
JOURNAL OF INSTRUMENTATION
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Heverly Suzany G. Menezes, Nathaly A. Nascimento, Milena Paiva-Cavalcanti, Samara G. da Costa-Latge, Fernando A. Genta, Claudia M. F. Oliveira, Tatiany P. Romao, Maria Helena N. L. Silva-Filha
Summary: Homozygous larvae for each allele exhibited a similar resistant phenotype, but they presented specific advantages that might favor their selection and can be used in designing resistance management practices.
PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Gabriela Sena, Regina C. Barroso, Delson Braz, Liebert P. Nogueira, Marcos Colaco, George Kourousias, Matteo Altissimo, Diana E. Bedolla, Giuliana Tromba, Patricia Azambuja, Marcelo S. Gonzalez, Arissa Pickler, Gabriel Fidalgo, Jairo J. S. Enriquez, Simone F. Silva, Gabriela B. N. Leitao, Carolina N. Spiegel, K. Paiva, Renan Barcellos, Carla Calligaro, Alessandra Gianoncelli
Summary: This study used Low-Energy X-Ray Microfluorescence (LEXRF) to assess the distribution of oxygen and sodium in the structures of the insect Rhodnius prolixus, as well as the effects of azadirachtin treatment. The results provided insights into the differences in the insect's structure and may be significant for controlling Chagas Disease.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Taina N. Ferreira, Jose B. Barufi, Paulo A. Horta, Daniele P. Castro, Fernando A. Genta
Summary: Brazilian seaweed species were found to contain β-1,3-glucanase inhibitors, which show potential for insect control and biochemical studies.
ANAIS DA ACADEMIA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIAS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dayanne M. Bordin, Samara G. C. Latge, Graham Pyke, John Kalman, Philip Doble, Fernando A. Genta, Lucas Blanes
JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2020)