A COMPARISON OF THE CHEMICAL ALTERATIONS IN THE BLOOD OF RATS INFECTED WITH PATHOGENIC AND NON-PATHOGENIC TRYPANOSOMES.
Blood samples from rats infected with Trypanosoma lewisi give normal values for lipoid phosphorus, lecithin, CO(2) combining capacity, and liver glycogen. When these results are compared with the results of similar experiments with T. equiperdum infections, on the basis of the concentration of trypanosomes in the blood, it is found that the pathogenicity of the latter organism does not depend upon its numbers as affecting the blood, but that it must be in some other way injurious to the host. Whether the injury is due to a true toxin, an endotoxin, or mechanical interference is not yet known.
Department of Bacteriology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York.
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Linton