Neurocognitive domains and neuropathological changes in experimental infection with Trypanosoma brucei brucei in Wistar rats

Abstract

Trypanosoma brucei brucei causes animal trypanosomiasis in several vertebrates and human African trypanosomiasis. Previous studies have only explored the incidence, clinical symptoms, haematology and biochemical changes associated with the disease. The behavioral manipulation hypothesis posits that parasites alter the behavior of host to increase the reproductive abilities of such parasites. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate changes in behavior and cognition following experimental infection of T. brucei brucei in rat model.This study involved two groups of animals (uninfected control and T. brucei infected) with 8 rats per group. After confirmation of parasitaemia in the infected rats both groups were assessed to investigate if infection led to behavioral alterations and neuropathological changes using the open field, social interaction and forelimb suspension tests. Immunohistochemistry was performed on brain tissues using glial fibrillary acidic protein and anticalbindin-D28k, antibodies.We demonstrated that T. brucei infection triggered a significant decrease in exploratory activity, anxiety-like behavior, altered recognition of social novelty and reduced hanging latency in the hanging wire test. Immunohistochemistry revealed significant astrocytosis, loss of dendritic spines and reduction of Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum.These results demonstrate that T. brucei infection induce signs of anxiety, impaired motor co-ordination with degeneration and loss of Purkinje cells.

Standardizing an Experimental Murine Model of Extraparenchymal Neurocysticercosis That Immunologically Resembles Human Infection

“…OFT has been used extensively in murine models of NCC [28,32]. Other parasitic infections have been shown to alter exploratory activity in Wistar rats [41], so this test is useful in determining the general condition and stress of rats with EXP-NCC [42]. Although OFT can provide insight on the general locomotor activity in rats, further studies are needed to rule out other neuropathological, motor, and neurocognitive deficits, especially in cerebellum-related motor skills.…”

Immunohistochemical diagnosis of Trypanosoma vivax in experimentally infected sheep tissues

“…The immunohistochemical technique has already been used successfully for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma evansi in tissues obtained from rats and water buffalos ( Bubalus bubalis ) (Sudarto et al, 1990), in tissues from naturally infected hog deer by streptavidin-biotin immunohistochemistry (Tuntasuvan et al, 2000). In an experimental infection with Trypanosoma brucei brucei , the immunohistochemistry revealed significant astrocytosis, loss of dendritic spines, and reduction of Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum in Wistar rats (Adebyi et al, 2021).…”

From the immune system to mood disorders especially induced by Toxoplasma gondii: CD4+ T cell as a bridge

“…No Brain; Impaired motor and exploratory skills; anxiety-like behavior; ? Central nervous system lesions; meningoencephalitis; increased pro-inflammatory cytokines; (Stich et al, 2002;Darsaud et al, 2003;Saric et al, 2010;Adebiyi et Inflammation of the brain; neurological impairment; (Clausen et al, 1996;Taratuto and Venturiello, 1997;Rosca et al, 2021) virulent (LD50>105) (Fukumoto et al, 2020). This virulence of different strains is also reflected in humans, for example, human ocular toxoplasmosis is not associated with types II and III, but is associated with type I (Grigg et al, 2001).…”