Methods and guidelines for the cultivation of monoxenous trypanosomatids: a minireview

Authors: TANNIERES, MÉLANIE - European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL); BREUGNOT, DAMIEN - European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL); BON, MARIE-CLAUDE - European Biological Control Laboratory (EBCL); Grodowitz, Michael

Submitted to: Journal of Invertebrate Pathology
Publication Type: Review Article
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/19/2023
Publication Date: 12/22/2023
Citation: Tannieres, M., Breugnot, D., Bon, M., Grodowitz, M.J. 2023. Methods and guidelines for the cultivation of monoxenous trypanosomatids: a minireview. Journal of Invertebrate Pathology. 108047. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2023.108047.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2023.108047

Interpretive Summary: The work presented in this mini review is based on an extensive literature review and aims at facilitating first attempt to cultivate insect-infesting trypanosomatids. We provide information about the role and use of supplements such as hemin and fetal bovine serum and different culture media used for the cultivation of monoxenous trypanosomatids. A table summarizes suitable media for each monoxenous trypanosomatid genus. We also discuss future challenges of trypanosomatid culture such as the replacement of fetal bovine serum and the development of complete chemically defined media using genome sequencing and comparative genomics to decipher metabolic pathways and provide insights into the nutritional requirements of monoxenous trypanosomatids. We believe that this mini review will be of interest to the entomological community and shed light on this increasing field of trypanosomatid biology.

Technical Abstract: Trypanosomatids are obligatory parasites, some of which are responsible for important human and animal diseases, but the vast majority of trypanosomatids are restricted to invertebrate hosts. Isolation and in vitro culture of trypanosomatids from insect hosts enable their description and characterization, and genetic and genomic studies. However, exact nutritional requirements are still unknown for most of these organisms and thus very few defined media are available. This mini review aims at facilitating first attempt to culture insect-infesting trypanosomatids, with a focus on monoxenous trypanosomatids, by providing information about the role of different ingredients and recommendations and advice on culture media, essential supplements, and important physicochemical parameters.