Association of Autoantibodies with Anemia, Splenomegaly, and Glomerulonephritis in Experimental African Trypanosomiasis

Abstract
Rats experimentally infected with Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense developed a syndrome characterized by anemia, splenomegaly and glomerulonephritis. Serologic evaluation revealed that the syndrome was accompanied by the presence of 3 autoantibodies-cold-active hemagglutinin, immunoconglutinin and antibody [Ab] to fibrinogen/fibrin products. Fluorescein isothiocyanate conjugated Ab tests showed the presence of fixed complement [C] and fibrinogen on trypanosomes and erythrocytes. All infected rats died by the 9th day of the infection with 5 animals showing signs of pulmonary involvement and shock. Autoantigens, autoantibodies and C probably caused this syndrome.

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