Pathobiochemical alterations in experimental chronic and acute trypanosomal infection in mice

During an experimental chronic infection of inbred mice with Trypanosoma congolense several physiological parameters become altered. Splenomegaly followed later by hepatomegaly are predominant. Lactate dehydrogenase and aminotransferase activities of the plasma are elevated, the number of erythrocytes and thrombocytes decreases, whereas monocytic cells are detected in higher concentrations. Gamma-Globulins and transferrin become elevated. Some of the pathobiochemical alterations depend directly on the parasitaemia and are reversed to normal values after chemotherapy with diminazene aceturate (Berenil). The curative effect of this drug depends largely on when it is administered. In acute T. congolense infections, leading to the death of the animals in 3-4 days, pathobiochemical alterations are found only shortly before the exitus.