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THE PROTECTIVE ACTION OF COPPER AGAINST TRYPANOSOMA EQUIPERDUM INFECTION IN ALBINO RATS
1Laboratory Division, Montefiore Hospital, New York.
The Journal of Experimental Medicine
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Copper supplementation enhanced rat resistance against Trypanosoma equiperdum infection. Dietary copper boosted natural immunity, leading to infection abortion in all rats infected with 2,000 trypanosomes and 75% of those infected with 10,000.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Parasitology
Background:
- Trypanosoma equiperdum causes significant infections.
- Nutritional factors can influence host resistance to pathogens.
- The role of copper in modulating immune responses to trypanosomiasis is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of dietary copper supplementation on the course of Trypanosoma equiperdum infection in rats.
- To determine if copper enhances natural resistance against trypanosomiasis.
Main Methods:
- Rats were fed an adequate diet supplemented with copper (0.2 mg elemental copper/rat/day) for 10 days prior to infection.
- Infection was induced via injection of Trypanosoma equiperdum (2,000 or 10,000 trypanosomes per rat).
- The course of infection and host resistance were monitored.
Main Results:
- Copper supplementation significantly raised the natural resistance of rats to Trypanosoma equiperdum infection.
- Infection was completely aborted in all rats infected with 2,000 trypanosomes.
- Infection was aborted in 75% of rats infected with 10,000 trypanosomes.
Conclusions:
- Dietary copper supplementation can bolster the host's natural immunity against Trypanosoma equiperdum.
- Copper shows potential as a nutritional adjunct in managing trypanosomiasis.
