Differences in pathogenicity and virulence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense field isolates in experimentally infected Balb/C mice

Kaboré, J. et al. (2018) Differences in pathogenicity and virulence of Trypanosoma brucei gambiense field isolates in experimentally infected Balb/C mice. Infection, Genetics and Evolution, 63, pp. 269-276. (doi: 10.1016/j.meegid.2018.05.018) (PMID:29807131)

[img]
Preview
Text
163579.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives.

646kB

Abstract

Trypanosoma brucei gambiense (T. b. gambiense) is the major causative agent of human African trypanosomiasis (HAT). A great variety of clinical outcomes have been observed in West African foci, probably due to complex host-parasite interactions. In order to separate the roles of parasite genetic diversity and host variability, we have chosen to precisely characterize the pathogenicity and virulence of T. b. gambiense field isolates in a mouse model. Thirteen T. b. gambiense strains were studied in experimental infections, with 20 Balb/C infected mice per isolate. Mice were monitored for 30 days, in which mortality, parasitemia, anemia, and weight were recorded. Mortality rate, prepatent period, and maximum parasitemia were estimated, and a survival analysis was performed to compare strain pathogenicity. Mixed models were used to assess parasitemia dynamics, weight, and changes in Packed Cell Volume (PCV). Finally, a multivariate analysis was performed to infer relationships between all variables. A large phenotypic diversity was observed. Pathogenicity was highly variable, ranging from strains that kill their host within 9 days to a non-pathogenic strain (no deaths during the experiment). Virulence was also variable, with maximum parasitemia values ranging from 42 million to 1 billion trypanosomes/ml. Reduced PCV and weight occurred in the first two weeks of the infection, with the exception of two strains. Finally, the global analysis highlighted three groups of strains: a first group with highly pathogenic strains showing an early mortality associated with a short prepatent period; a second group of highly virulent strains with intermediate pathogenicity; and a third group of isolates characterized by low pathogenicity and virulence patterns. Such biological differences could be related to the observed clinical diversity in HAT. A better understanding of the biological pathways underlying the observed phenotypic diversity could thus help to clarify the complex nature of the host-parasite interactions that determine the resistance/susceptibility status to T. brucei gambiense.

Item Type:Articles
Keywords:Clinical diversity, host-parasite interaction, human African trypanosomiasis, mouse model, multivariate analysis, pathogenicity, phenotypic diversity, Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, virulence.
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacLeod, Professor Annette
Authors: Kaboré, J., Camara, O., Koffi, M., Sanou, D., Ilboudo, H., Sakandé, H., Camara, M., De Meeûs, T., Ravel, S., Belem, A. M. G., MacLeod, A., Bucheton, B., Jamonneau, V., and Thévenon, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Infection, Genetics and Evolution
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1567-1348
ISSN (Online):1567-7257
Published Online:25 May 2018
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V.
First Published:First published in Infection, Genetics and Evolution 63: 269-276
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the publisher copyright policy

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record