Trypanosoma brucei infection remodels the uterine immune environment and drives neuroendocrine dysfunction.

Trypanosoma brucei infection localizes in the uterine lining and causes immune and reproductive dysfunction in mice.

• Why it matters: Understanding how systemic parasitic infections affect female reproductive health is crucial, as the impact on the reproductive tract and hormonal regulation remains unclear.
• What they did: A murine model was used to show that T. brucei parasites are found in the uterine lining during both acute and chronic infection stages, with associated immune remodeling and hormonal disruptions.
• The result: Chronic infection leads to reproductive tissue atrophy, disrupted hormonal pathways, and immune changes that are only partially reversible with hormonal treatment, highlighting the complex interplay between infection, immunity, and endocrine function.