Does Trypanosoma cruzi stress its vectors?
Trypanosoma cruzi seems to compete with its vector, Triatoma infestans, for nutrients. When starved the resistance of infected Triatoma is reduced but it is rarely affected i f it is given an adequate food supply. Infected individuals also might be more sensitive than uninfected bugs to other environmental stress factors. Günter Schaub believes that the theory, that T. cruzi does not affect its vectors, should be re-examined.
Institut für Biologie I (Zoologie), Albert-Ludwigs-Universität, Albertstrosse 21 a, D-7800 Freiburg, FRG.
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