Trypanosoma cruzi -- the vector-parasite paradox

Memórias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz

Cj Schofield¹ 

[1] ,London School of Hygiene and Tropical MedicineLondon,UK

关键词: Trypanosoma cruzi;    Triatominae;    Didelphidae;    evolution;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S0074-02762000000400016

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

Trypanosoma cruzi and the majority of its insect vectors (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) are confined to the Americas. But while recent molecular studies indicate a relatively ancient origin for the parasite (~65 million years ago) there is increasing evidence that the blood-sucking triatomine vectors have evolved comparatively recently (<5 mya). This review examines the evidence for these ideas, and attempts to reconcile the apparent paradox by suggesting that marsupial opossums (Didelphidae) may have played a role, not just as original reservoir hosts, but also as original vectors of the parasite.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
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