Question

Which is true about Trypanosoma?

• A. polymorphic
• B. monogenetic
• C. facultative parasite
• D. non-pathogenic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Trypanosoma is polymorphic i.e. it has more than one form. It has at least four forms that are recognized on the basis of the positions of kinetoplast and blepharoplast and the course taken by the flagellum. Two or more such forms occur either in one or both the hosts in the life cycles of various species of Trypanosoma. These forms are
(i)
Leishmanial (amastigote): Round or oval form with a nucleus, blepharoplast and kinetoplast. Flagellum reduced and fibril-like, embedded in cytoplasm.
(ii)
Leptomonad (promastigote) : Body elongate, nucleus large and anteriorly located blepharoplast and kinetoplast. Flagellum short and unattached.
(iii)
Crithidial (epimastigote) : Body elongate. Blepharoplast and kinetoplast placed immediately anterior to nucleus. Undulating membrane inconspicuous.
(iv)
Trypanosomid (trypomastigote) : Body elongate and slender. Blepharoplast and kinetoplast situated at or near posterior end. Undulating membrane conspicuous. Trypanosoma is digenetic i.e. it completes its life cycle in two hosts. It is an obligate parasite and is pathogenic.