Studies in trypanosomiasis

Abstract

Experiments were undertaken to study the effect of cyclical development in Glossina morsitans on the serological characters of Trypanosoma brucei. In general, the “cyclical substrains” which result from this method of passage resemble each other closely irrespective of the serological type of the strain on which the flies were fed. This is true only of the derivatives of a single original strain. The cyclical substrains of different original strains are serologically distinct. In spite of the general similarity within the limits of a single strain, there are certain differences in detailed serological reactions. Examples of these are given and their import discussed. A strain of T. brucei was successfully cultivated in developing hens' eggs. The serological type of the trypanosomes was changed in an irregular manner during the process.