African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (9), pp. 738-742, 2 May 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

The biochemical changes induced by natural human African trypanosome infections

Awobode H.O

Department of Zoology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Fax: +234 2 810 3043. E-mail:  awobodet@yahoo.com, henrie.awobode@mail.ui.edu.ng.

Accepted 6 February, 2006

Biochemical evaluation of body fluids gives an indication of the functional state of the various body organs. An evaluation of the biochemical parameters of plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in humans infected with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense was carried out. A significant elevation (P<0.01) in the plasma values of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were recorded in study participants, while lowered triglyceride levels (P>0.01) were recorded in the infected participants. The levels of plasma electrolyte recorded were within normal reference intervals. Elevated globulin and decreased albumin levels were recorded in infected study participants. Levels of total protein, total bilirubin, Na⁺, Cl^-, HCO₃^-  showed no significant increases (P>0.05) during infection. Elevated levels of AST was recorded in the CSF of study participants, the values of CSF enzymes recorded in study were generally lower in trypanosome infected study participants compared to the uninfected participants. Lowered levels of CSF chloride and urea were recorded in the study while the values of potassium, calcium and creatinine in CSF were elevated (P<0.05) in study participants. The results suggest infiltration, inflammation and probable damage of vital body organs resulting from infections with T. b. gambiense.

Key words: Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, biochemical changes, body fluids, electrolytes, enzymes, plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, human natural infections.