Figure 6

Life cycle of Dm28c-luc strain in Rhodnius prolixus . Bioluminescent imaging of the insect, after D-luciferin injection in the hemocoel, (insects 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5) and their corresponding dissected digestive tracts, was conducted twenty one to twenty eight days after feeding. In vivo (A, C) and ex vivo (B, D) evaluation, demonstrated variability in the distribution of parasites, along the intestine and the rectum (C, D). Metacyclic trypomastigotes were observed in feces and urine, but other parasite forms were also observed in the macerated digestive tracts. Parasites were quantified in a Neubauer chamber and displayed in the images (B, D).