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Effect of carrier erythrocytes containing inositol hexaphosphate on Babesia microti infection

J R Deloach1, D E Corrier, G G Wagner

  • 1USDA, Agriculture Research Service, College Station, Texas 77841.

Research in Veterinary Science
|September 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Administering erythrocytes with inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) to mice reduced Babesia microti infections. This suggests IHP-loaded erythrocytes may offer a protective strategy against babesiosis in susceptible animals.

Area of Science:

  • Parasitology
  • Hematology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Babesia microti is an intraerythrocytic parasite causing babesiosis.
  • Effective treatments for babesiosis, especially prophylactic ones, are needed.
  • Inositol hexaphosphate (IHP) affects erythrocyte oxygen affinity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of inositol hexaphosphate (IHP)-loaded erythrocytes as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent against Babesia microti infection in mice.

Main Methods:

  • Mice were administered erythrocytes containing IHP.
  • Mice were subsequently challenged with Babesia microti.
  • Parasitemia levels were monitored on days 3, 5, and 7 post-infection.

Main Results:

  • Mice receiving IHP-loaded erythrocytes exhibited significantly lower parasitemia percentages compared to controls.
  • IHP-loaded erythrocytes demonstrated altered P50 oxygen values, indicating changes in oxygen release characteristics.
  • A notable reduction in Babesia microti infection was observed.

Conclusions:

  • Carrier erythrocytes containing IHP show potential for reducing Babesia microti parasitemia.
  • IHP-loaded erythrocytes may serve as a prophylactic treatment for naive animals before exposure to babesiosis-endemic areas.
  • Altered oxygen-carrying properties of IHP-loaded erythrocytes might contribute to their protective effect.

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