What is Trypanosoma?
The word “Trypanosoma” originates from the Greek words “trypano” and “soma” which means borer and body. Trypanosoma is a parasitic protozoa which belongs to the class Kinetoplastida. These single-celled organisms are flagellated and typically found in the bloodstream of vertebrates, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. There are various species of Trypanosoma, some of which are harmless, while others are responsible for causing diseases in humans and animals.
One of the most well-known species is Trypanosoma brucei, which causes sleeping sickness in humans. This disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected tsetse flies. Another important species is Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas disease in humans and is transmitted by faeces of kissing bugs. Some Trypanosome species require more than one host to complete their life cycle.
Also Read: Prokaryotic Cells and Eukaryotic Cells
Trypanosomes – Diagram, Morphology and Life Cycle
Trypanosoma is a genus of unicellular parasites responsible for diseases like African trypanosomiasis and Chagas disease. These parasites exhibit a distinctive morphology, featuring a long, undulating membrane and a flagellum for motility.
The cell body is elongated with a single nucleus and a kinetoplast containing mitochondrial DNA. Trypanosoma’s life cycle involves transmission through insect vectors, which affect human and animal health in various regions. In this article, we will learn about the morphology and life cycle of the Trypanosoma in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Trypanosoma?
- Trypanosoma Classification
- Labeled Diagram of Trypanosoma
- Morphology of Trypanosoma
- Life Cycle of Trypanosoma
- Life Cycle of Trypanosoma Diagram
- Trypanosoma: Common species
- Diseases Caused by Trypanosoma
- Disease Prevention
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