Chemotherapy of Trypanosoma brucei infection of the central nervous system: the use of a rapid chemotherapeutic regimen and the development of post-treatment encephalopathies

Jennings, F. W., Hunter, C. A., Kennedy, P. G. E. and Murray, M. (1993) Chemotherapy of Trypanosoma brucei infection of the central nervous system: the use of a rapid chemotherapeutic regimen and the development of post-treatment encephalopathies. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 87(2), pp. 224-226. (doi: 10.1016/0035-9203(93)90502-H)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0035-9203(93)90502-H

Abstract

The use of a rapid curative chemotherapeutic regimen for experimental infection of the central nervous system (CNS) of mice by Trypanosoma brucei has indicated that this ‘aggressive’ treatment does not precipitate the development of post-treatment meningoencephalopathy. If meningoencephalitis is already established at the time of the treatment there is no exacerbation of the reaction and the CNS pathology rapidly returns to normal. Paralysis is not precipitated by the rapid curative treatment of either primary or relapse infections, in contrast to non-curative treatments. Mice showing this overt clinical paralysis in addition to histological meningoencephalitis soon regain mobility and the CNS pathology is rapidly resolved after curative chemotherapy. These experiments provide no support for the concept that the rapid release of trypanosome antigens in situ in the brain exacerbates the post-treatment encephalopathy. They do support the concept that it is viable trypanosomes remaining in the brain which are responsible.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Murray, Professor Maxwell and Kennedy, Professor Peter
Authors: Jennings, F. W., Hunter, C. A., Kennedy, P. G. E., and Murray, M.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing
College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Infection & Immunity
Journal Name:Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0035-9203
ISSN (Online):1878-3503

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