Lipid metabolism and other metabolic changes in vervet monkeys experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense.

BACKGROUND

Human African trypanosomiasis is associated with metabolic changes which have not been well characterized.

METHODS

Chlorocebus aethiops were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense and late-stage disease induced at 28 days post-infection. Ear prick blood for glucose determination and blood samples were obtained at weekly intervals for 56 days. Analysis was carried out using dry chemistry analysis.

RESULTS

In early infection, there was a significant increase in creatine kinase, while during early and transitional stage of infection there was a significant decrease in glucose and high-density lipoprotein and an increase in triglyceride levels. In the late stage, there was a significant increase in both total cholesterol and LDL levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Further investigations should focus on levels of total cholesterol during the follow-up period in curatively treated vervet monkeys. Apart from their importance in disease staging, the changes in lipids levels may also affect the pharmacokinetics of some trypanocides.