Course of Infection of Trypanosoma lewisi in the Rat

 

Karen Ott

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1991, Volume 12

Abstract

Trypanosoma lewisi infection in the rat provides an excellent model for investigating immunological mechanisms for undergraduates. Trypanosome infections are easily established by inoculating rats intraperitoneally with a sample of infected blood. Trypanosomes are available in infected rats from Carolina Biological Supply Co. Following inoculation the trypanosomes are found in the bloodstream and are readily observed and quantified by examination of blood samples. They are large flagellated protozoa (15–25 μ), and details of structure are clearly seen with an oil immersion objective.

Keywords:  cell-mediated immunity, protozoa

Southwest Missouri State University (1990)