A silicone centrifugation technique for the detection of low parasitaemias of salivarian trypanosomes.

A method using silicone fluid of specific gravity 1.075 was employed to detect low numbers of salivarian trypanosomes in rats infected with T. brucei, T. gambiense, T. congolense or mouse-adapted T. vivax. This method compared favourably with other microsensitive techniques such as the miniature anion-exchange centrifugation and microhaematocrit buffy-coat microscopy methods. The silicone centrifugation technique is based on the density differences between the host's erythrocytes and the parasites. Under the conditions used, the red cells are pelleted by centrifugation through a layer of silicone fluid whereas the trypanosomes remain in the plasma supernatant.