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Changes in classical pathway complement activity in dromedary camels experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi
J O Ouma1, W Olaho-Mukani, B E Wishitemi
1Division of Biochemistry and Immunology, Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute, Kikuyu, Kenya.
Veterinary Immunology and Immunopathology
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Camel trypanosomosis involves the complement system, crucial for immune responses. This study reveals complement levels initially rise then fall during infection, suggesting a role in controlling parasitaemia.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Parasitology
Background:
- The complement system is vital for immune responses but its function in camel trypanosomosis remains unclear.
- Camel trypanosomosis, caused by Trypanosoma evansi, is a significant disease in dromedary camels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the haemolytic complement activity in dromedary camels infected with Trypanosoma evansi.
- To determine the correlation between complement levels, parasitaemia, and packed cell volume during infection.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of five dromedary camels with Trypanosoma evansi.
- Assay of classical pathway haemolytic complement activity.
- Monitoring of parasitaemia and packed cell volume.
Main Results:
- A slight initial increase (7%) in classical pathway haemolytic complement activity was observed post-infection.
- Complement levels decreased as the infection progressed, showing a negative correlation with parasitaemia.
- Haemolytic complement activity recovered after trypanosomes were eliminated by melarsomine treatment.
Conclusions:
- Complement concentration initially increases during Trypanosoma evansi infection, then declines as the infection becomes chronic.
- Activation of the classical complement pathway occurs in infected camels, indicating its involvement in the immune response.
- Complement may play a role in controlling parasitaemia in vivo; decreased levels could contribute to immunosuppression.