Experimental Trypanosoma brucei infection at immediate post partum period: effects on dam and the offspring

Objective: To investigate the effects of immediate post-partum infection with Trypanosoma brucei (T. brucei) on dam and offspring. Methods: Sixty female Albino rats (Rattus norvegicus) weighing between 130-170 g were used as animal model. The animals were divided as follows: 25 infected between 1-5 days post partum; 10 infected unbred as positive controls; and 25 uninfected as negative controls. The following parameters were evaluated: packed cell volume (PCV), level of parasitaemia, survival time, litter size and litter weight at birth and on days 7, 14 and 21 post delivery, using conventional methods. Possible trans mammary transmission of infection to litter through milk was also assessed. Results: The results showed a comparatively (P< 0.05) higher mean PCV value for the uninfected negative control on the 811 day post infection compared with the infected groups which corresponded with the increasing level of parasitaemia in the two infected groups. Mean litter size and litter weights were higher (P< 0.05) in the uninfected controls on the 21(st) day. Survival time in the infected groups were similar. No evidence of trans-mammary transfer of infection was recorded. Conclusion: T. brucei infection during immediate post partum period is detrimental to the clam and impairs growth of the offspring.