Isolation of Trypanosoma cruzi from the blood of infected mice by column chromatography

Trypomastogotes of three strains of Trypanosoma cruzi were isolated from the blood of infected mice employing lymphoprep for separation of the red blood cells and a column of DEAE cellulose for removal of white cells and platelets. An average recovery of 45 to 58 percent of actively motile, infective organisms, free of contaminating blood cells was obtained. Protein and carbohydrate assays of the separated organisms revealed significant differences between the Tulahuen, a reticulotropic strain, and the House 510 and House 11, two myotropic strains of this parasitic species. The present procedure should provide sufficient parasites for physiological and biochemical studies; it has also served to indicate particular strain characteristics which may aid in a taxonomic classification of these organisms.