African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 4 (2), pp. 187-190, February 2005          
ISSN 1684–5315 © 2005 Academic Journals

Short Communication

Serum total proteins and creatinine levels in experimental gambian trypanosomosis of vervet monkeys

Abenga J. N.¹* and Anosa V. O.²

¹Pathology, Epidemiology and Statistics Division, Nigerian Institute for Trypanosomiasis Research, P.M.B. 2077, Kaduna, Nigeria

²Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Corresponding author.  E-maill: jnabenga@yahoo.com.

Accepted 4 February, 2005

Although Human African Trypanosomosis presently constitute a major socio-economic problem in several parts of sub-Saharan Africa, conflicting reports on experiemental infections appear to be one of the factors limiting the chemotherapeutic control of the disease.  Attempt was therefore made to evaluate the effect of two strains of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense on total proteins and other serum biochemical parameters using vervet monkeys as a model.  The outcome of both strains in vervet monkeys was traumatic as the monkeys died from infection 12 – 15 weeks post infection while the serum total proteins increased due to increase in serum globulins with resultant fall in the albumin/globulin ratio.  Similarly creatinine and fibrinogen levels increased after infection.  The study confirms the existence of atypical virulent infections with a resultant early death from T. b.  gambiense.

Key words: Serum, total proteins, vervet monkeys, creatinine, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense.