Abstract

The influence of improved nutrition on the development of pathophysiological effect of trypanosome in rats fed with two different levels of protein was investigated. The intensities of parasitaemia indicated that there was a tendency for animals receiving the high protein to sustain more parasite numbers than those receiving low protein diets. The infected animals on the two diets showed similar degree of anaemia. The PCV and MCV values were drastically lowered in the two groups of rats with regards to control groups. The albumin concentration showed dietary influences and decreased significantly in the test group. Following treatment, the infected rats on high protein diets recovered and gained weight faster than those on low protein diet. It is therefore, concluded that improved nutrition in the form of higher protein diet (soya bean supplement) intake ameliorates the adverse effect of trypanosome infection and also enhances the rate of recovery following chemotheraphy.

Key words: Trypanosome brucei, high protein diet, low protein diet, parasitaemia, PCV, MCV, albumin, Rattus rattus.

Abbreviation

SBM, Soya bean meal; PBS, phosphate buffered saline; LP, low protein; HP, high protein