Experimental transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi through the genitalia of albino mice

Abstract

Trypanosoma cruzi is usually transmitted by contact with the excreta of infected Triatominae; among non-vectorial infections, direct

Sperm Morphological Features Associated with Chronic Chagas Disease in the Semen of Experimentally Infected Dogs

“…[7][8][9][10]12,15,16,[18][19][20][21][22][23][24] However, information is scarce and controversial regarding T. cruzi infections (that affect the reproductive system) and the direct transmission of such infections through coitus. 11,13,14 The latest report by Carvalho and others 17 showed that T. cruzi can colonize different cells, including myod cells, and suggested the possibility of parasite migration to the seminal fluid in case of a rupture of these cells. Therefore, the CD could potentially be transmitted through sexual intercourse.…”

“…These researchers have also reported the shedding of parasites in the semen accompanied by several reproductive disorders, such as low semen quality, reduced libido, testicular degeneration, impaired spermatogenesis, and alterations in the extracellular matrix of the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] The presence of trypanosomatids in the semen of infected dogs indicates the possibility of venereal transmission of CD. Therefore, the use of chagasic dogs as sires should be avoided.…”

Genitourinary changes in hamsters infected and reinfected with Trypanosoma cruzi

“…More often, male small rodents are experimentally infected through intraperitoneal injections containing 10 5 to 5x10 5 virulent trypomastigotes (Ferreira 1970, Ferreira & Rossi 1973, Lamano Carvalho et al 1991, Tavares et al 1994, Lenzi et al 1998, Cabrine-Santos 2000. Otherwise, rodent genital infection is obtained through local inoculations with 2 x 10 2 to 1.2 x 10 5 parasites (Herrera & Urdaneta-Morales 2001).…”

“…Changes in genital organs associated with Trypanosoma cruzi infection have been described in humans (Chagas 1916a, b, Haddad et al 1959, Jörg & Oliva 1980, Lamano Carvalho et al 1982a and in laboratory animals (Vianna 1911, Ferreira & Rossi 1973, Lamano Carvalho et al 1991, Tavares et al 1994, Lenzi et al 1998, Herrera & Urdaneta-Morales 2001. Chronic chagasic patients may present genital dysfunctions manifested as reduction of ejaculation, decreased libido, and lowered sexual potency (Haddad & Raia 1969).…”

“…Experiments during acute chagasic infection in rodents have demonstrated diminution of seminal volume (Ferreira & Oliveira 1965), atrophy of testis (Ferreira 1970, Ferreira & Rossi 1973, reduced number of neurons in the juxtaprostatic pelvic ganglia (Ferreira 1970), and presence of T. cruzi in genital organs (Vianna 1911, Lamano Carvalho et al 1991, Tavares et al 1994, Lenzi et al 1998, Herrera & Urdaneta-Morales 2001. The local parasitism is possibly related with the origin of lesions observed in humans (Hartz & Toledano 1954, Lamano Carvalho et al 1982a and in laboratory animals (Lamano Carvalho et al 1991) during chronic chagasic infection.…”