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Trypanosoma brucei: infectivity and immunogenicity of cultured parasites

M Nyindo, B T Wellde

    Experimental Parasitology
    |October 1, 1985
    PubMed

    Insights

    Cultured Trypanosoma brucei brucei remain infective and show enhanced virulence after passage in rats or tsetse flies. Irradiated parasites induced homologous immunity but not cross-immunity to other challenge types.

    Area of Science:

    • Parasitology
    • Immunology
    • Tropical medicine

    Background:

    • Trypanosoma brucei brucei is a protozoan parasite transmitted by tsetse flies.
    • Long-term in vitro culture of trypanosomes can alter their characteristics.
    • Understanding parasite infectivity and virulence is crucial for disease control.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To assess the infectivity and virulence of cultured Trypanosoma brucei brucei.
    • To investigate the immunogenicity of irradiated cultured trypanosomes.

    Main Methods:

    • Trypanosomes were cultured for over 4 years.
    • Infectivity was tested in albino rats and tsetse flies.
    • Virulence was assessed after initial passages.
    • Immunity was evaluated using irradiated trypanosomes and homologous/heterologous challenge.

    Main Results:

    • Cultured trypanosomes remained infective to rats and tsetse flies.
    • Virulence significantly increased after the first passage in vivo.
    • Irradiated cultured trypanosomes conferred immunity against homologous challenge.
    • No cross-immunity was observed against tsetse fly or blood-induced challenge.

    Conclusions:

    • Long-term culture of Trypanosoma brucei brucei maintains infectivity and can lead to enhanced virulence upon host passage.
    • Irradiated cultured trypanosomes show potential for inducing specific immunity, but cross-protection is limited.

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