Pathogenesis of African Trypanosomiasis.
Abstract
African trypanosomiasis is characterized by persistent but variable parasitemia. The level of the circulating parasite varies as a result of the interplay of host immunologic responses and parasitic adaptation resulting in changing antigenicity. Previous studies have indicated that the level of parasitemia is at times very high, and specific antitrypanosomal antibodies develop. It is hypothesized that this situation leads to periods of antigen excess and it is probable that circulating antigen-antibody complexes are formed. Early studies with Rhesus monkeys infected with Trypanosoma rhodesiense (Strain 1886) indicated pathologic changes within the glomeruli associated with increased serum creatine and in some cases hypoalbuminemia. A closer analysis of these renal lesions revealed thickened and duplicated basement membranes associated with mesangial proliferation. These changes resemble the glomerular pathology seen in human membrano-proliferation glomerulonephritis and was associated with persistent hypocomplementemia. The first nine months of our present contract has been largely spent on completion and extensions of this work in the Rhesus and is summarized in this report.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA126406
Entities
People
- Raymond B. Nagel
Organizations
- University of Maryland, Baltimore