In vitro cytotoxicity of Rhodnius prolixus hemolytic factor and mellitin towards different trypanosomatids.

Trypanosoma cruzi strain Y and clone Dm28c and other trypanosomatids were exposed to two lytic agents, Rhodnius prolixus hemolytic factor (RHF) and mellitin, in vitro. In both cases, the result was a significant decrease in the number of parasites after a 30-min treatment at 37 degrees C. RHF and mellitin had distinct activities on different strains and species of trypanosomatids. These observations suggest that RHF may be an important factor in selecting resistant strains of trypanosomes for development in the vector's gut.