Interactive Multimedia to Teach the Life Cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi, the Causative Agent of Chagas Disease

Abstract

Parasitic protozoa are important agents of human and veterinary diseases, which are widely distributed throughout the world. The parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, which is the causal agent of the human disease known as Chagas disease, affects approximately 8 million people and causes more than 14,000 deaths per year in Latin America. It is estimated that in Brazil there are around 2 million individuals infected [1]. T. cruzi has a complex life cycle involving both vertebrate and invertebrate hosts in three well-defined developmental stages: (1) amastigotes, which are the proliferative forms found inside the vertebrate host cells; (2) epimastigotes, which are the proliferative forms found in the intestine of the invertebrate host; and (3) trypomastigotes, which are highly infective and originate from the amastigotes at the end of the intracellular cycle following their release into the intercellular space and into bloodstream [2]. Trypomastigotes also arise from epimastigotes in the posterior regions of the digestive tract of the invertebrate host [3]. The present work aims to use a cell biologic approach to create multimedia materials that present basic aspects of the life cycle of T. cruzi and the morphology of its various developmental stages, as well as some biological processes such a division, motility, and endocytic activity. The current teaching method is based upon formal lectures using classic material with little emphasis on the use of three-dimensional (3D) animation models. In this report, we present new instructional material with modern schemes and dynamic models that include 3D animations (Box 1). These educational tools will be useful for a broad audience, which includes students in face-to-face and distance education, teachers, researchers, and any member of the general public that are interested in parasites. As an instructional tool, the animations are more effective than the static graphics for teaching dynamic events [4]. Studies in biology courses have shown that animations lead to increased student understanding and retention of cell biology information [5]. Box 1. Advantages and Disadvantages of Scientific Animation Advantages Animation is a powerful tool to communicate abstract scientific ideas that are difficult to visualize and interpret when described with words or using static images Increase student understanding and memory retention Animations are playful and accessible to undergraduate students and enable them to understand complex processes more easily Disadvantages High cost Require a great deal of time Team and software specialized Methods The 3D models and animations were produced by designers working at the CECIERJ Foundation (Fundacao Centro de Ciencias e Educacao Superior a Distância do Estado do Rio de Janeiro - CEDERJ Consortium). Our analysis is based on information obtained by our group in the last 20 years using video microscopy and light microscopy as well as scanning and transmission electron microscopy, which show various aspects of the structural organization of the protozoan and its interaction with host cells. Our analysis also used information obtained by different research groups. All animations and images were produced using software such as 3ds Max, Maya, Poser, and Flash.