Isoenzyme characterization of trypanosomes of the subgenusHerpetosoma

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
SUMMARY: Isoenzyme analysis was used to characterize 6 species of trypanosomes of the subgenusHerpetosomausing 13 different enzyme systems. The species studied wereTrypanosoma lewisi, T. musculi, T. grosi, T. microti, T. evotomysandT. nabiasiwhich cannot be distinguished on morphological grounds. Extracts for thin-layer starch-gel electrophoresis were prepared from cultures of insect forms in either Schneider'sDrosophilaor Grace's insect tissue culture media with foetal calf serum or a nutrient agar medium. Extracts ofT. lewisiandT. musculibloodstream forms were also run for comparison. All parasites gave distinct patterns which enabled them to be differentiated on one or more enzyme systems. Two types of computer analysis were used to group the parasites; using these techniques the murine parasitesT. lewisi, T. musculiandT. grosifell into one broad group, andT. microtiandT. evotomysof microtine rodents formed another. These findings are in accord with earlier observations on the behavioural characteristics of these parasites in their mammalian host and their vector (fleas). The clear differences observed provide the basis for the application of other biochemical and immunological techniques for differentiation within this subgenus of trypanosomes.