Influence of Trypanosoma congolense infection on some blood inorganic and protein constituents in sheep.

The present study was designed to investigate the changes in plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium, inorganic phosphate, total protein, albumin, globulin, and serum iron and iron-binding capacity in sheep infected with Trypanosoma congolense. It was observed that infection did not have a significant effect on the plasma concentrations of zinc, copper, calcium, magnesium and inorganic phosphate. The serum iron concentrations in infected animals were higher, but not significantly so, than in control animals. Infected animals developed hypoalbuminaemia and hyperglobulinaemia while changes in total protein were not significant. The relevance of these changes to the pathogenesis of Trypanosoma congolense infection is discussed.