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T rypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in vervet monkeys: a potential model for early‐stage disease
Author(s) -
Gachie B.M.,
Kagira J.M.,
Karanja S.M.,
Waema M.W.,
Ngotho J.M.,
Mai.W.N.
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of medical primatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.31
H-Index - 42
eISSN - 1600-0684
pISSN - 0047-2565
DOI - 10.1111/jmp.12100
Subject(s) - parasitemia , hematocrit , trypanosomiasis , trypanosoma brucei , biology , african trypanosomiasis , immunology , hemoglobin , vervet monkey , albumin , medicine , physiology , pathology , malaria , plasmodium falciparum , biochemistry , evolutionary biology , gene
Abstract Background Non‐human primates are important experimental models for human A frican trypanosomiasis. Methods Six monkeys were intravenously inoculated with 10 5 trypanosomes of T rypanosoma brucei gambiense IL 3253. They were monitored for 180 days for parasitemia, hematology, clinical and biochemical profiles. Results The pre‐patent period was 2–3 days. From 33 to 123 dpi, the parasitemia was low and only detectable by the hematocrit centrifugation technique. Thereafter, to the end of the experimental period, the parasitemia was undetectable by parasitological methods. Clinical signs observed were lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. Hematological changes included a decline in hemoglobin occurring between 14 and 56 dpi and a significant decline in platelet counts after infection. The levels of total protein, albumin and globulins increased from 26 dpi for the rest of the experimental period. No parasites were detected in cerebrospinal spinal fluid , and no brain pathology was observed. Conclusion This vervet monkey model can only be used for early‐stage disease G ambian sleeping sickness.