Pathogenesis of anaemia in hamsters infected with Leishmania donovani

The development of anaemia was studied in hamsters infected with Leishmania donovani. Haematocrit studies as well as erythrocyte survival studies using radioactive chromium (51Cr), gave evidence of a progressive anaemia during the course of infection. The erythrocytes were positive in direct antiglobulin tests using antisera to IgG and complement C3. Moreover, erythrophagocytosis as well as increased deposits of haemosiderin in the liver and the spleen, particularly in the areas of proliferating macrophages, were demonstrated. It would appear that the erythrocytes adsorb immune complexes on their surfaces and become liable to enhanced phagocytosis by the macrophages of the liver and the spleen.