Intricate balance of dually-localized catalase modulates infectivity of Leptomonas seymouri (Kinetoplastea: Trypanosomatidae).

Nearly all aerobic organisms are equipped with catalases, powerful enzymes scavenging hydrogen peroxide and facilitating defense against harmful reactive oxygen species. In trypanosomatids, this enzyme was not present in the common ancestor, yet it had been independently acquired by different lineages of monoxenous trypanosomatids from different bacteria at least three times. This observation posited an obvious question: why was catalase so "sought after" if many trypanosomatid groups do just fine without it? In this work, we analyzed subcellular localization and function of catalase in Leptomonas seymouri.

The Mite Is a Novel Potential Vector of the Bat Parasite .

, for which only bat bugs (Cimicidae) had previously been demonstrated as vectors, was, for the first time, detected in the gamasine mite in Russia. The molecular phylogenetic analysis indicated that trypanosomes found in these mites belong to the "clade A" of , which, based on genetic distances, can be considered as a species separate from the sister clade B, and according to available data also has a distinct geographic distribution. The presence of developmental forms of resembling those previously described during the development of this trypanosome in cimicids suggests that is a novel vector of the studied trypanosome.

Diversity of RNA viruses in the cosmopolitan monoxenous trypanosomatid Leptomonas pyrrhocoris.

Background: Trypanosomatids are parasitic flagellates well known because of some representatives infecting humans, domestic animals, and cultural plants. Many trypanosomatid species bear RNA viruses, which, in the case of human pathogens Leishmania spp., influence the course of the disease.

The Roles of Mosquitoes in the Circulation of Monoxenous Trypanosomatids in Temperate Climates.

Monoxenous (insect-restricted) trypanosomatids are highly diverse and abundant in nature. While many papers focus on the taxonomy and distribution of these parasites, studies on their biology are still scarce. In particular, this concerns trypanosomatids inhabiting the ubiquitous mosquitoes.