STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF SOME IONS IN THE HEART OF RATS INFECTED WITH TRYPANOSOMA BRUCEI BRUCEI

Abstract

Behaviour of Sodium [Na⁺], Potassium [K⁺] and Phosphorous [PO4^3-] 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