New insight into RBC membrane and trypanosome infection

Abstract

Natural herbs and several synthetic drugs had been used to treat trypanosomiasis and are usually directed to kill the trypanosome. However, Red Blood cells (RBCs) membranes that is the first infection site for trypanosome remains defenseless to the invasion. Hence, there is need to protect the membrane against the invasion to limit the gravity of first acute parasitaemia before immune system is ready to defend the body against the parasites.