Browsing by Author "Guya, S.O."
Now showing 1 - 3 of 3
- Results Per Page
- Sort Options
Item Alternative Complement Pathway Activity in Experimental Surra(1998) W. Ouma, J.O.; Olaho-Mukani, W.; Whishitemi, B.E L.; Guya, S.O.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Division of Biochemistry and Immunology, Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research InstituteHaemolytic complement activity in dromedary camels Infected with Trypanosoma evansi was assayed under alternative pathway conditions. Complement fixing antibody titres and circulating trypanosomal antigen levels were also monitored throughout the infection period. A rapid initial increase (47%) in mean alternative pathway haemolytic complement (ACH5o) level occurred during the first week of infection. ACH50 levels later decreased significantly in infected camels and recovered only after drug treatment was started. The mean ACH 50 units of un-infected control camels showed only slight variations throughout the study and were significantly higher than those of infected camels (pItem Changes in classical pathway complement activity in dromedary camels experimentally infected with Trypanosoma evansi(1997) Ouma, J.O.; Olaho-Mukami, W.; Wishitemi, B.E.L.; Guya, S.O.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Division of Biochemistry and Immunology, Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute, P.O. Box 362, Kikuyu, Kenya Department of Zoology, Moi University, P.O. Box 1125, Eldoret, KenyaThe complement system is known to have important effector functions in immune responses. However, its role in camel trypanosomosis has not been detennined. The present study was undertaken to evaluate haemolytic complement activity in Trypanosoma evansi-infected and uninfected camels. Five dromedary camels were experimentally infected with T. evansi and classical pathway haemolytic complement activity was assayed. Parasitaemia and packed cell volume were also monitored. Following infection, classical pathway haemolytic complement showed a slight initial increase (7%) in all the camels. The amounts later dropped as the infection progressed and correlated negatively with parasitaemia. Haemolytic complement recovered following elimination of trypanosomes by treatment with melarsomine. Treatment of uninfected camels had no effect on complement. This study has demonstrated that complement concentration increases in the initial phase of infection followed by a drop as the infection progresses towards chronicity. In addition, the study has shown that activation of the classical complement pathway occurs in camels infected with T. evansi. Complement could therefore be involved in the in vivo control of parasitaemia in dromedary camels infected with T. evansi. Decreased complement levels in this species could lead to immunosuppression, widely reported in animal trypanosomosis.Item Growth and Mortality in Sheep and Goats under High Tsetse(2002) Masiga, D.K. ; Okech, G.; Irungu, P. ; Ouma, J; Wekesa, S. ; Ouma, B.; Guya, S.O.; Ngung'u, J.M.; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute; Kenya Tryponosomiasis Research Institute; Kenya Trypanosomiasis Research Institute (KETRI), PO Box 362, Kikuyu, KenyaTrypanosomosis is a major Impediment to livestock production and economic development In those areas of Africa where It IS endemic Although small ruminants appear to perform better than cattle In various agro ecological zones, the Importance of trypanosomosis has not been extensively Investigated m these livestock This study was designed to Investigate the prevalence of trypanosomosis In sheep and goats In an endemic area and to evaluate the performance of different breeds under high tsetse challenge and the potential role of chemoprophylaxis In the control of the disease The results showed that tsetse flies reed readily on small ruminants, and that these al1lmals are susceptible to trypanosomosls The Small East African goats acqll1red fewer Infections than the Black Head Persian and Dorper sheep used In the study. In both sheep and goats, chemoprophylaxis With Isometanidium chloride (Samonn, Rhone Meneux, and Annecy, France) was protective, resulting in fewer infections and higher body weight gain. Trypanosomosls caused anaemia in both sheep and goats, and animals whose PCV fell below IS'X, rarely recovered, even with trypanocidal drug treatment. The peak transmission period was between 1 and 3 months after the peak tsetse fly density, which raises the possibility of effective strategic prophylaxis.
