Partial characterisation of a trypanosome-lysing factor from the midgut of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria.
OBJECTIVE
Screening and biochemical characterisation of trypanosome-lysing factor (trypanolysin) from non-vector insect, Schistocerca gregaria.


METHODS
Laboratory based experiment.


METHODS
Department of Biochemistry, University of Nairobi.


RESULTS
Lysis of isolated trypanosomes was demonstrated with midgut homogenates of natural vector Glossina morsitans centralis as well in non-vector insects. The highest trypanolytic activity was observed in midgut homogenate of the desert locust. Schistocerca gregaria followed by the cockroach, Periplaneta americana (L). Further studies on the S. gregaria trypanolytic factor showed its proteinaceous nature due to its sensitivity to temperatures above 40 degrees C and to proteases. Additionally, the factor showed lectin-like properties since the activity was blocked by D-glucosamine.


CONCLUSIONS
The trypanolytic factor has the potential of being used to modulate tsetse fly vectorial capacity.
Ogoyi
D O
DO
Department of Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Nairobi, P.O. Box 30197, Nairobi, Kenya.
Achieng
D
D
Nguu
E K
EK
Ochanda
J O
JO
D000818:Animals; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D010450:Endopeptidases / Q000378:metabolism*; D006110:Grasshoppers / Q000378:metabolism / Q000469:parasitology*; D006790:Host-Parasite Interactions / Q000502:physiology; D019476:Insect Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D007303:Insect Vectors; D037102:Lectins / Q000378:metabolism*; D013696:Temperature; D014346:Trypanosoma brucei brucei / Q000378:metabolism*
D019476:Insect Proteins; D037102:Lectins; D010450:Endopeptidases; C490724:trypanolysin protein, Schistocerca gregaria