Abstract:
Background Human African trypanosomiasis is associated with metabolic
changes which have not been well characterized.
Methods Chlorocebus aethiops were experimentally infected with Trypanosoma
brucei rhodesiense and late-stage disease induced at 28 days post-infection.
Ear prick blood for glucose determination and blood samples were
obtained at weekly intervals for 56 days. Analysis was carried out using
dry chemistry analysis.
Results In early infection, there was a significant increase in creatine kinase,
while during early and transitional stage of infection there was a significant
decrease in glucose and high-density lipoprotein and an increase in triglyceride
levels. In the late stage, there was a significant increase in both total
cholesterol and LDL levels.
Conclusions Further investigations should focus on levels of total cholesterol
during the follow-up period in curatively treated vervet monkeys.
Apart from their importance in disease staging, the changes in lipids levels
may also affect the pharmacokinetics of some trypanocides.
