Trypanosomes and experimental trypanosomaisis in East African bats

Using the haematocrit centrifuge technique, four hundred and twenty-seven bats from East Africa were examined for trypanosome infections. Approximately 21% of the bats were found to be infected. The infection rate varied from zero to 73.3%. No trypanosome was found in fruit-eating bats (Megachiroptera). Three species of trypanosomes were found in insect-eating bats (Microchiroptera), none of the trypanosome was infective to mice or rats. The trypanosomes encountered in the survey were Trypanosoma (Schizotrypanum) vespertilionis, T. (Megatrypanum) heybergi, and T. (M). mpapuense. New descriptions based on abundant materials are given for each of the species. Trypanosoma rhodesiense and T. brucei produced a much more chronic infection in insect-eating bats (Tadarida condylura) than in mice. Since it is known that some species of Glossina feed on bats, we raised the possibility of insect-eating bats as potential reservoirs of these trypanosomes. In experiments fruit-eating bats seem to be much more susceptible to T. brucei than the insect-eating bats. T. vivax is not infective to bats.