Changes in Albumin Levels in Blood and Urine of Microtus montanus Chronically Infected with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense

Abstract

Serum albumin and glucose concentrations and urinary excretion of alpha-keto acids and proteins were determined in samples obtained throughout a chronic Trypanosoma brucei gambiense infection in Microtus montanus. An increase in urinary excretion of alpha-keto acids and proteins during the terminal stage of disease was accompanied by a decrease in serum glucose concentration. This terminal hypoglycemia reflected a depletion of liver glycogen in most animals. In contrast (and the major focus of this study) serum albumin concentration was decreased by the second week of infection and in the final sample obtained was less than 50% of that measured in preinfection samples. Female animals survived approximately 1 wk longer than males and were less susceptible during the acute phase of disease. This relative resistance was most likely due to the fact that female animals were relatively more efficient in limiting parasitemia during the first week of infection. The similarity between humans and voles in terms of protein and alpha-keto acid excretion and changes in serum concentrations of glucose and albumin during trypanosome infection further validate the use of Microtus as an experimental model for trypanosomiasis in humans.