The influence of buffalo and bovine serum on transformation of Trypanosoma congolense from metacyclic forms to bloodstream forms in vitro.
The transformation of Trypanosoma congolense metacyclics into bloodstream forms was studied in vitro using light and electron microscopy. The trypanosomes were maintained in culture at 28 degrees C using a medium supplemented with foetal bovine serum. The metacyclics were harvested and separated from the procyclic and epimastigote forms by using anion exchange chromatography. Isolated metacyclics were incubated with different concentrations of buffalo or bovine serum at 35 degrees C for periods ranging from 3 hours to 72 hours. It was noted that the metacyclics transformed at about the same time regardless of the animal serum used. However, most of the buffalo serum tended to kill trypanosomes whereas bovine serum tended to support trypanosome growth. The killing of the trypanosomes may be due to natural toxins present in buffalo serum.
Olubayo
R O
RO
Kenya Agricultural Research Institute, Veterinary Research Centre, Uthiru, Nairobi.
D000818:Animals; D001793:Blood Preservation; D002020:Buffaloes / Q000097:blood*; D002417:Cattle / Q000097:blood*; D002852:Chromatography, Ion Exchange; D015925:Cryopreservation; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D014348:Trypanosoma congolense / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000276:immunology / Q000648:ultrastructure