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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 ,
B. Crawley ,
B. A. Oppenheim  and
V. W. Pentreath
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
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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.

Keywords

Trypanosoma brucei bruceimiceendotoxinsLAL testbacteraemia.
Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 107 , Issue 1 , July 1993 , pp. 49 - 53
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1993

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