Immune depression and macroglobulinemia in experimental subchronic trypanosomiasis
Infection and Immunity
|June 1, 1981
Summary
Subchronic trypanosomiasis, caused by Trypanosoma parasites, leads to immune suppression, particularly in relapsing infections. This immune depression is linked to the presence of live parasites, not clonal exhaustion, and can be temporarily reversed with treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Subchronic infections with Trypanosoma parasites, such as Trypanosoma gambiense, can mimic human trypanosomiasis.
- Elevated serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels are characteristic of these infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of subchronic trypanosomiasis on immune responses in mice.
- To determine the relationship between parasite presence, immune depression, and serum IgM levels.
Main Methods:
- Induction of subchronic infections with Trypanosoma gambiense in mice.
- Assessment of antibody responses against sheep erythrocytes using hemagglutination.
- Evaluation of immune status following subcurative treatment with Berenil in mice infected with T. brucei and T. equiperdum.
Main Results:
- Mice with subchronic T. gambiense infection showed high serum IgM but initially normal antibody responses, followed by depression in later stages or relapses.
- Berenil treatment temporarily restored immune competence in T. brucei-infected mice but did not prevent relapse and subsequent immune depression.
- Hypergammaglobulinemia was observed in relapsing T. equiperdum infections, but without immune depression against sheep erythrocytes.
Conclusions:
- Immune depression in trypanosomiasis is closely associated with the presence of living trypanosomes.
- Immune depression is not a result of clonal exhaustion, as indicated by serum IgM levels.
- Parasite clearance can restore immune function, but relapse leads to renewed immune suppression.
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