Hemolytic complement and serum C3 levels in Zebu cattle infected with Trypanosoma congolense and Trypanosoma vivax and the effect of trypanocidal treatment

Abstract

Total hemolytic complement [C] and C3 levels dropped to 6.25% and 50% of pre-infection levels, respectively, during trypanosome infections. Chemotherapeutic elimination of the trypanosomes with Berenil led to recovery of pre-infection levels within 7 and 11 days when cattle infected with T. congolense and T. vivax, respectively, were treated 37 days after infection onset. Recovery was slower in T. vivax-infected cattle treated on day 50. Berenil treatment had no effect on C levels in control animals. The possible causes and implications of these low C levels in bovine trypanosomiasis are discussed.