The micro-minerals composition in serum of rabbits (<i>Oryctolagus cuniculus</i>) infected with Trypanosoma congolense

Abstract

Sixteen (16) rabbits aged between 6 to 12 months were infected with fresh stock of Trypanosoma congolense (Gboko strain) intravenously at the rate of 1.0 × 10⁶ml. Animals were classified into two groups; groups A were infected, while group B served as uninfected controls. Samples from the infected and the uninfected controls showed a significant increase in the levels of sodium (Na⁺), calcium (Ca²⁺), phosphate (PO₄ ^2-) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P < 0.05) and a significant decline in the levels of potassium (K⁺) and bicarbonate (HCO₃ ^2-) (P < 0.05). Therefore, the alterations in the compositions of these micro-minerals in the serum of rabbits may suggest that, they could have a role in the pathogenesis of trypanosomosis due to T. congolense infection.

Key words: Rabbits, micro-minerals, Trypanosoma congolense, pathogenesis.