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Trypanosomal cardiac valvulitis in vervet monkeys
Tropical Medicine and Parasitology : Official Organ of Deutsche Tropenmedizinische Gesellschaft and of Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ)
|June 1, 1985
Summary
Trypanosoma brucei infection in vervet monkeys caused widespread heart inflammation (pancarditis) and valvulitis. Trypanosomes were found within heart valves, suggesting potential hiding places that could impact treatment.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Trypanosomiasis, a parasitic disease, affects various animal species.
- Understanding the cardiac impact of Trypanosoma brucei is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cardiac pathology in vervet monkeys experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei.
- To identify the distribution and location of trypanosomes within the heart tissue.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of quarantined vervet monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) with Trypanosoma brucei.
- Macroscopic and microscopic examination of cardiac tissues, including light and electron microscopy.
- Assessment of lymphatic drainage and inflammatory cell presence.
Main Results:
- All infected monkeys exhibited pancarditis and diffuse valvulitis.
- Trypanosomes and inflammatory cells were found in all cardiac layers and heart valves.
- Electron microscopy confirmed intact trypanosomes within the elastic and collagenous parts of the valves.
- Evidence of lymphatic stasis was observed in cardiac lymphatic vessels.
Conclusions:
- The heart, particularly the valves, serves as a significant site for Trypanosoma brucei localization.
- These cardiac "hiding places" may protect trypanosomes from host defenses and chemotherapy.
- Findings are relevant to understanding disease progression, treatment efficacy, and potential for healing.