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Endotoxins and the pathogenesis of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in mice

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

R. A. Alafiatayo
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT
B. Crawley
Affiliation:
Department of Bacteriology, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester M20 8LR
B. A. Oppenheim
Affiliation:
Department of Bacteriology, University Hospital of South Manchester, Manchester M20 8LR
V. W. Pentreath
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Salford, Salford M5 4WT

Summary

The involvement of endotoxins in Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection in CD-1 mice was investigated by the Limulus amoebocyte lysate (LAL) test. At 7 days post-infection mean serum endotoxin level was elevated by 2·5 times (36·4 pg/ml cf. control 14·25 pg/ml, P < 0·001) and a similar increase was maintained throughout the infection (survival 28–35 days). Purified disrupted parasites contained significant endotoxin activity (mean value 280 pg/mg protein). The mouse infections were also associated with progressive Gram-negative bacteraemia (present in 4 Out of 5 infected animals by day 28 p.i.). The increased endotoxin levels may be due to parasite products, the products of intercurrent bacterial infections, other unidentified sources (e.g. from the gut), or a combination of these. It is concluded that the raised endotoxins may be important contributive factors in the pathogenesis of experimental murine trypanosomiasis.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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