Abstract
Behaviour of Sodium [Na+], Potassium [K+] and Phosphorous [PO43-] ions was studied in the heart of albino rats infected with Trypanosoma brucei brucei and the parasitaemia level monitored. Post infection shows a significant rise [p < 0.05] in Na+, K+, and Ca2+ ions concentration with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the phosphorous ions concentration as the disease progresses. At high parasitaemia level, there is a slight increase in Na+ and PO43– ions while K+ concentration remains constant and Ca2+ ions concentration was significantly reduced (p < 0.05). The reasons and mechanism responsible for these are unknown although their increased concentrations in tissues generally have been shown to be as a result of damage to cells and tissues during infection.
Key Words: Trypanosoma brucei brucei, Parasitaemia level, Concentration of ions.
African Journal Of Clinical And Experimental Microbiology Jan 2004 Vol.5 No.1 30-39