Abstract
Endocytobionts from Triatoma infestans are described (from salivary glands, ganglia, visceral muscles, hemocytes, pericardial cells, nephrocytes, ovaries, testes, and dorsal vessel). They are determined as gram-negative bacteria and they resemble other intracellular symbionts found in insects. Tissue distribution was similar in all specimens. The glial cells in CNS ganglia and salivary glands are the most heavily infected tissues. Even massive infections do not cause any apparent pathogenic effect. The nurse cells and oocytes are without endocytobionts. Nonetheless, transovarial transmission of endocytobionts is deduced from their presence in embryonic gut lumen. In the embryo and first larval stage the organs are without endocytobionts. Their dispersal begins after the first blood meal and molting. Virus-like particles were observed in both the endocytobionts and the host cells. The possible influence of endocytobionts on the host is discussed.
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