Effects on haematological parameters and pathology of internal organs of <i>Trypanosoma brucei brucei</i> infected albino rats

Abstract

The effects of Trypanosoma brucei brucei on the haematological parameters and pathology of internal organs of albino rats were studied in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike to corroborate the reports or otherwise of some other researchers as is allowed in science. Three groups of albino rats (A-C), with 3rats in each group were used. Group A served as the control (uninfected). There was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the total white blood cell counts (WBC) (7.49-15.70) and significant decreases (p<0.05) in the red blood cell counts (RBC) (6.13-2.62), packed cell volume (PCV) (36.6-9.7%), and haemoglobin concentration (Hb) (14.69-4.05g/dl) of all the infected rats, an indication that anaemia had set in. The gross pathological effects on the internal organs showed significant enlargement of the spleen (splenomegaly) and slight enlargement of the liver (hepatomegaly). The heart and liver appeared anaemic. This work has shown that Trypanosoma brucei brucei is pathogenic in albino rats thus corroborating the work of some other researchers.

Keywords: Trypanosoma; albino rat; haematology; pathology and blood characteristics