Studies on the Leucocytic Response to Experimental Infection with Trypanosoma brucei and Haemonchus contortus in Red fronted gazelles (Gazella rufifrons)

Abstract

The leucocytic response to a concurrent Trypanosoma brucei and Haemonchus contortus infection following parasitaemia and appearance of ova in faeces in red fronted gazelles (Gazella rufifrons) was investigated. A marked decline (P < 0.05) in total white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte counts was observed among the concurrently infected red fronted gazelles compared to those with single infections. Also, neutrophil numbers declined significantly (P < 0.05) in red fronted gazelles infected either singly with Trypanosoma brucei or concurrently with both parasites while those infected singly with Haemonchus contortus experienced a significant (P <0.05) rise in neutrophil counts which became evident from day 30 post infection. Monocytosis was also observed in those infected singly with Trypanosoma brucei and concurrently with both parasites and eosinophilia (P <0.05) in the gazelles with dual infection or those singly infected with Haemonchus contortus. These suggests therefore, that the leucocytic response observed which was more marked following concurrent infection with both parasites in the gazelles, tended more towards immunosuppression.

Keywords: Leucocytic response; experimental infection; Trypanosoma brucei; Haemonchus contortus; red fronted gazelles

Sahel Journal of Veterinary Science Vol. 7 (1) 2008: pp. 37-45