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Survival and infectivity of Trypanosoma brucei in refrigerated pig blood
1Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.
Abstract:
Trypanosoma brucei parasites survived for 72 h or longer in refrigerated pig blood. The survival period was directly proportional to the initial parasite concentration of the sample. Infectivity of the parasites declined faster than survival, being less than 1 per 10(5) motile organisms at 72 h. The stage of infection in the pig (early vs. late) did not appear to influence subsequent survival periods or infectivity of the parasites in vitro.
Insights
Trypanosoma brucei parasites can survive in refrigerated pig blood for at least 72 hours, with longer survival linked to higher initial parasite numbers. Parasite infectivity decreased more rapidly than survival over time.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Trypanosoma brucei is a significant protozoan parasite affecting livestock and humans.
- Understanding parasite survival ex vivo is crucial for diagnostic and research applications.
- Refrigerated blood storage is common, but its effect on Trypanosoma brucei viability is not fully characterized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the survival duration of Trypanosoma brucei in refrigerated pig blood.
- To assess the relationship between initial parasite concentration and survival time.
- To evaluate the impact of parasite infectivity decline over time and its relation to survival.
Main Methods:
- Collected pig blood samples were refrigerated.
- Trypanosoma brucei parasites were added at varying initial concentrations.
- Parasite survival and motility were monitored over 72 hours.
- Parasite infectivity was assessed by quantifying motile organisms.
Main Results:
- Trypanosoma brucei survived for 72 hours or longer in refrigerated pig blood.
- Survival duration was directly proportional to the initial parasite concentration.
- Parasite infectivity decreased significantly, falling below 1 per 10(5) motile organisms by 72 hours.
- The stage of infection in the host pig did not influence in vitro survival or infectivity.
Conclusions:
- Refrigerated pig blood can maintain Trypanosoma brucei viability for extended periods (≥72 hours).
- Initial parasite load is a key factor in ex vivo survival duration.
- While viable, the infectivity of Trypanosoma brucei diminishes substantially over time in refrigerated blood.