Trypanosoma cruziand myoid cells from seminiferous tubules: interaction and relation with fibrous components of extracellular matrix in experimental Chagas’ disease

Abstract

The main transmission route of Trypanosoma cruzi is by triatomine bugs. However, T. cruzi is also transmitted through blood transfusion, organ transplantation, ingestion of contaminated food or fluids, or is congenital. Sexual transmission, although suggested since the discovery of Chagas' disease, has remained unproven. Sexual transmission would require T. cruzi to be located at the testes and ovaries. Here we investigated whether T. cruzi is present in the gonads of mice infected with 10(4) T. cruzi trypomastigotes from the CL strain. Fourteen days after experimental infection, histopathological examination showed alterations in the extracellular matrix of the lamina propria of the seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, amastigotes were present in seminiferous tubules, within myoid cells, and in the adjacencies of the basal compartment. These results indicate that T. cruzi is able to reach seminiferous tubule lumen, thus suggesting that Chagas' disease could potentially be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Complementary studies are required to demonstrate that Chagas' disease can be transmitted by coitus.

Pathogenesis of Chagas' Disease: Parasite Persistence and Autoimmunity

“…In the T. cruzi-infected rodent Calomys callosus histopathological lesions in the heart and skeletal muscles have been associated with high levels of the cytokines TNF-␣, IFN-␥, and TGF-␤ (254). In this context, the presence of amastigote nests and alterations in the extracellular matrix have been reported (57).…”

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.…”

Noninvasive Biological Samples to Detect and Diagnose Infections due to Trypanosomatidae Parasites: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Since then, experimental infection has further shed light on the disseminative capability of this organism during the acute phase of the disease into the male and female genital organs. In a mouse model of infection, T. cruzi was detected in the preputial glands and skin, penis, testicular albuginea, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate, and urethral glands [322,323]. In females, T. cruzi invades cells of the vagina, uterus, oviduct, ovary, and clitoris [313,315].…”