Growth and differentiation on a trypanosome of the subgenus Schizotrypanum from the bat Phyllostomus hastatus.

The effects of temperature, pH, osmolarity and aeration on the growth and differentiation of a trypanosome of the subgenus Schizotrypanum isolated from the bat Phyllostomus hastatus were studied. In general, the growth characteristics of the flagellate were similar to those of Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) cruzi. However, the parasite did not growth at 33 or 37 C. Increase in the osmolarity and aeration promoted growth at 33 C. Significant metacyclogenesis was detected only in the growth condition where maximal growth occurred (28 C, pH 7.3, 380 mOs/kg, in tissue culture flasks), at the end of the exponential growth phase. The beginning of the metacyclogenesis process was coincident with most glucose utilization and lowest pH. During metacyclogenesis both culture medium pH and osmolarity increased steadily.