Spatially and genetically distinct African trypanosome virulence variants defined by host interferon-g response

MacLean, L., Odiit, M., MacLeod, A. , Morrison, L., Sweeney, L., Cooper, A., Kennedy, P.G.E. and Sternberg, J.M. (2007) Spatially and genetically distinct African trypanosome virulence variants defined by host interferon-g response. Journal of Infectious Diseases, 196(11), pp. 1620-1628. (doi: 10.1086/522011)

[img]
Preview
Text
4619.pdf

307kB

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/522011

Abstract

We describe 2 spatially distinct foci of human African trypansomiasis in eastern Uganda. The Tororo and Soroti foci of <i>Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense</i> infection were genetically distinct as characterized by 6 microsatellite and 1 minisatellite polymorphic markers and were characterized by differences in disease progression and host-immune response. In particular, infections with the Tororo genotype exhibited an increased frequency of progression to and severity of the meningoencephalitic stage and higher plasma interferon (IFN)–γ concentration, compared with those with the Soroti genotype. We propose that the magnitude of the systemic IFN-γ response determines the time at which infected individuals develop central nervous system infection and that this is consistent with the recently described role of IFN-γ in facilitating blood-brain barrier transmigration of trypanosomes in an experimental model of infection. The identification of trypanosome isolates with differing disease progression phenotypes provides the first field-based genetic evidence for virulence variants in T. <i>brucei rhodesiense</i>.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:MacLeod, Professor Annette and Sweeney, Mrs Lindsay and Morrison, Dr Liam and Cooper, Dr Anneli
Authors: MacLean, L., Odiit, M., MacLeod, A., Morrison, L., Sweeney, L., Cooper, A., Kennedy, P.G.E., and Sternberg, J.M.
Subjects:Q Science > QR Microbiology > QR355 Virology
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Journal of Infectious Diseases
Publisher:Infectious Diseases Society of America
ISSN:0022-1899
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2007 Infectious Diseases Society of America
First Published:First published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases 196(11):1620-1628
Publisher Policy:Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher

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