Trypanosome infections evade attacks by host immune systems through which of the following mechanisms?
A) production of new cell-surface proteins with a different molecular structure by each new generation
B) production of toxins that kill lymphocytes
C) insertion of its DNA into the nuclear DNA of host cells
D) infection of lymphocytes leading to a decline in the host's ability to fight infection

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Trypanosome infections, such as those caused by Trypanosoma brucei, the parasite responsible for African sleeping sickness, evade the host immune system primarily through antigenic variation. This involves the production of new cell-surface proteins with a different molecular structure by each new generation of the parasite, making it difficult for the host's immune system to recognize and attack the parasite effectively.

Trypanosome Infections Evade Attacks by Host Immune Systems Through Which