Trypanosoma cruzi typically establishes a life-long infection in its mammalian hosts, causing the destruction of muscle tissues and ultimately resulting in potentially fatal Chagas disease. In this review, we consider the array of avoidance mechanisms that allow for T. cruzi persistence, many of which are unconventional among protozoan pathogens but which collectively are highly effective in the face of otherwise potent host immune responses. We also reflect on the phenomenon of dormancy in T. cruzi amastigotes, which is likely not involved in the long-term persistence of infection. Lastly, we consider how these phenomena of persistence and dormancy complicate the effectiveness of potential therapeutic interventions to prevent Chagas disease.
BT - Current Opinion in Microbiology DO - 10.1016/j.mib.2025.102615 LA - eng M3 - Research Article N2 -Trypanosoma cruzi typically establishes a life-long infection in its mammalian hosts, causing the destruction of muscle tissues and ultimately resulting in potentially fatal Chagas disease. In this review, we consider the array of avoidance mechanisms that allow for T. cruzi persistence, many of which are unconventional among protozoan pathogens but which collectively are highly effective in the face of otherwise potent host immune responses. We also reflect on the phenomenon of dormancy in T. cruzi amastigotes, which is likely not involved in the long-term persistence of infection. Lastly, we consider how these phenomena of persistence and dormancy complicate the effectiveness of potential therapeutic interventions to prevent Chagas disease.
PB - Elsevier BV PY - 2025 T2 - Current Opinion in Microbiology TI - The importance of persistence and dormancy in Trypanosoma cruzi infection and Chagas disease UR - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1369527425000372 VL - 86 SN - 1369-5274 ER -