Trypanosomatids
Trypanosomatids are a group of unicellular, flagellated parasitic protozoa in the family Trypanosomatidae, order Kinetoplastida. They are characterized by a single elaborate mitochondrion containing kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) and by their reliance on invertebrate vectors or vertebrate hosts. The most studied genera include Trypanosoma and Leishmania, which include many human pathogens.
They are typically 20–45 μm long, with a single anterior flagellum. A distinguishing feature is the kinetoplast,
Life cycles are often complex and involve two hosts: a vertebrate and an invertebrate vector. Morphological
In humans, trypanosomatids cause African sleeping sickness, Chagas disease, and leishmaniasis, with varying clinical manifestations from
Diagnosis relies on microscopy, molecular methods, and serology. Treatments exist but may be toxic and species-specific;