Trypanosomatida

Trypanosomes
Temporal range: Albian to recent 100–0 Ma
Trypanosoma cruzi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Phylum: Euglenozoa
Class: Kinetoplastea
Subclass: Metakinetoplastina
Order: Trypanosomatida
Kent 1880
Family: Trypanosomatidae
Doflein 1901
Subfamily

Trypanosomatida is a group of kinetoplastid unicellular organisms distinguished by having only a single flagellum. The name is derived from the Greek trypano (borer) and soma (body) because of the corkscrew-like motion of some trypanosomatid species. All members are exclusively parasitic, found primarily in insects.[1] A few genera have life-cycles involving a secondary host, which may be a vertebrate, invertebrate or plant. These include several species that cause major diseases in humans.[2] Some trypanosomatida are intracellular parasites, with the important exception of Trypanosoma brucei.

  1. ^ Podlipaev S (May 2001). "The more insect trypanosomatids under study-the more diverse Trypanosomatidae appears". International Journal for Parasitology. 31 (5–6): 648–52. doi:10.1016/S0020-7519(01)00139-4. PMID 11334958.
  2. ^ Simpson AG, Stevens JR, Lukes J (April 2006). "The evolution and diversity of kinetoplastid flagellates". Trends in Parasitology. 22 (4): 168–74. doi:10.1016/j.pt.2006.02.006. PMID 16504583.