Growth‐Phase Dependent Substrate Adhesion in Crithidia fasciculata

Crithidia fasciculata is a trypanosomatid flagellate that parasitizes several species of mosquito. Within the alimentary tract of its host, C. fasciculata exists in two forms: one is a non-motile form, attached in clusters to the lining of the gut, the other a more elongated form swimming freely in the gut lumen. We have developed an in vitro culture system that reproduces the appearance of these two distinct morphological forms. Using two different cultivation methods, shaking and stationary incubations, we have demonstrated that adherence phenotypes are growth-phase dependent. Organisms in the logarithmic phase of growth possess the ability to adhere to substrates; this ability is lost when the organism enters a stationary growth phase. Parasite adherence was independent of cultivation method or substrate. Furthermore, adherent forms of Crithidia maintained their adhesive properties following their removal from substrates. Our data reveal a growth-phase-regulated process of cell attachment that may influence the transmission and dissemination of this parasitic flagellate.