Nucleic Acid Antibodies in African Trypanosomiasis: Studies in Rhesus Monkeys and Man

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Abstract
Trypanosoma rhodesiense infections in rhesus monkeys led to development of antibodies to nucleic acids. The most dramatic response was to single-stranded DNA (ssDNA); lesser but significant responses were directed to native DNA (nDNA) and double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Maximum responses occurred at approximately 4 weeks. The antibodies to ssDNA were largely in the 19S fraction early in the course of infection, whereas later they were predominantly in the 7S fraction. Antibodies to nDNA were present almost entirely in the 7S fraction. Trypanosoma gambiense infections in humans were associated with the development of antibodies to ssDNA but not nDNA or dsRNA. These studies demonstrate that antinucleic acid antibodies develop during the course of African trypanosomiasis. The antigenic nucleic acids and any possible relationship to glomerulonephritis remain to be determined.

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