Assessing hepatic dysfunction in rabbits experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei

Abstract

Blood sera of New Zealand rabbits infected with Trypanosoma brucei 8/18 were collected, and the levels of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, cholesterol, and cholinesterases biochemically determined to assess the functional state of the liver. Results showed that the infected rabbits had high serum levels of alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and cholesterol and a low level of cholinesterase. The values indicated a state of depressed liver function in trypanosomiasis. Treatment with diminazene aceturate improved the depressed hepatic function.