Characterization of Trypanosoma brucei isolated from lymph nodes of rats

Abstract

Summary: Forms of Trypanosoma brucei isolated from lymph nodes of cyclically or intravenously infected rats, at different stages of infection, were morphologically compared with the corresponding bloodstream forms. Unlike the pleomorphic bloodstream trypanosome population, the lymph node trypanosome population was essentially monomorphic and resembled the slender forms of the bloodstream. Values for the morphometric parameters indicated a position between the slender and the stumpy forms. The number of trypanosomes/ml of blood showed the well-known periodic fluctuations while the number of trypanosomes/g of lymph node remained fairly constant. Serology revealed that lymph node trypanosome populations differed antigenically from the trypanosome populations isolated simultaneously from the bloodstream.