Keywords
trypanosomatids
Chagas disease
prevalence
Trypanosoma cruzi
How to Cite
Abstract
Trypanosomatids are a group of protozoan parasites belonging to the Trypanosomatidae family, characterized by a single flagellum and an organelle called the kinetoplast, which contains mitochondrial DNA and is essential for their metabolism and survival. These parasites are of significant medical and veterinary importance, as they include genera such as Trypanosoma and Leishmania, responsible for diseases like Chagas disease, African trypanosomiasis, and leishmaniasis, affecting millions worldwide. It is estimated that 6 million people are infected with Chagas disease in the Americas. Bats are the primary reservoir of trypanosomatids in nature, facilitating the spread of these protozoan parasites to other mammals. Although bats show little to no harm from trypanosomatid infections, they play a crucial role in maintaining stable parasite populations. Some trypanosomatids hosted by bats, such as Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease, are medically significant for humans. In this study, the frequency of T. cruzi infection in bats in the municipality of San Salvador was investigated using PCR with primers 121/122, revealing a 30.2% (26/86) positivity rate for Trypanosoma cruzi. Additionally, four specimens of the Trypanosoma genus were identified, though their specific species could not be determined. These results align with findings reported by various authors, particularly in countries like Colombia and Brazil, confirming the wide biogeographical distribution of trypanosomatids across the continent. The fact that the captured bats were found near large human populations is a significant finding for public health.
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