Protistan Entomopathogens

LANGE, C.E., LORD, J.

Insect Pathology, 2nd Edition.

Elsevier

Año: 2012; p. 367 - 394

Protists, eukaryots of mainly unicellular organization, are among the most diverse and numerous of insect pathogens.  As a group, protists exhibit the full range of symbiotic associations with insects, from mutualism and commensalism to parasitism. However, most protistan etiologic agents of insects cause chronic rather than acute diseases that tend to be unapparent and may cause population effects that are poorly researched and understood.  The current knowledge on entomopathogenic protists in the taxa Amoebozoa, Apicomplexa, Ciliophora, Euglenozoa, and Helicosporidia is reviewed.  Topics include morphology, development, transmission, host range, host-pathogen associations, and potential use in biological pest control.  Complex life cycles are described for each group.  Although protistan entomopathogens are often prevalent and persistent in nature, they are generally not regarded as likely microbial insecticides due to high host specificity and difficulties associated with mass production.  Inoculative release and conservation are more feasible approaches.  The research needs, problems of taxonomy, and population dynamics are discussed.