TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA

MSC. BIOCHEMISTRY

ABC 5109: BIOCHEMISTRY OF PARASITES

JAMES OGARE

MBC/0004/2022

ASSIGNMENT 2

Explain the theories put across to explain the behaviour of sugar in

pathogenicity of hosts during infection with Trypanosomes (20 marks)

Two main theories have been proposed to explain the behavior of sugar in the pathogenicity of

hosts during infection with Trypanosomes.

Nutritional Theory

This theory is based on the beliefe that sugar metabolism plays a critical role in the pathogenicity

of Trypanosomes. Trypanosomes are highly dependent on glucose as their main energy source.

They have a unique metabolic pathway, known as glycolysis, which is adapted to efficiently

utilize glucose even in low-oxygen conditions.

During infection, Trypanosomes consume large amounts of glucose from the host bloodstream.

This high glucose consumption by the parasites can deprive host tissues of glucose, leading to

metabolic disturbances. The alteration of host glucose metabolism can impact various
physiological processes, including immune function and tissue repair, thus compromising the

host's defense mechanisms against the infection.

Moreover, the rapid utilization of glucose by Trypanosomes can lead to the production of

metabolic byproducts, such as lactic acid and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can

contribute to tissue damage and inflammation in the host.

These theories suggest that the behavior of sugar in the context of Trypanosome infection is

multifaceted. The exploitation of host-derived sugars, particularly sialic acid, allows

Trypanosomes to evade immune detection, while the high glucose consumption by the parasites

affects host metabolism and immune responses. Further research is needed to fully understand

the intricate interactions between Trypanosomes and host sugars and their contribution to the

pathogenicity of these parasites.

Glycosylation Theory

This theory suggests that Trypanosomes utilize host-derived sugars, particularly sialic acid, to

evade the immune system and establish a successful infection. Sialic acid is a sugar molecule

found on the surface of host cells and is involved in cell-cell recognition and immune system

regulation. Trypanosomes possess surface proteins called variant surface glycoproteins (VSGs)

that can mimic host sialic acid residues through a process called molecular mimicry.

By incorporating host sialic acid residues into their own surface glycoproteins, Trypanosomes

can avoid detection by the immune system. This molecular mimicry allows them to camouflage

themselves as host cells, preventing the immune system from recognizing them as foreign

invaders. Additionally, the presence of sialic acid on Trypanosome surfaces can interact with
host immune system receptors, leading to immunomodulation and suppression of immune

responses.