Proteinograma sérico de gatos infectados experimentalmente pelo Trypanosoma evansi

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the electrophoretic pattern of serum proteins in Trypanosoma evansi-infected cats during different periods of infection. Thirteen adult female non-breeding Felis catus were separated into two groups. Cats from the infected group (n=7) were intraperitoneally inoculated with a strain of T. evansi, and cats from the control group (n=6) received a physiological solution. Blood samples were collected at days 0, 7, 21, and 35 for evaluation total protein and protein fractious by electrophoresis. Albumin (P < 0.01), alpha-2 globulin and gamma globulin (P < 0.05) concentrations were statistically different from the seventh day post-inoculation. Beta globulin levels were increased from day 21 (P < 0.05). Alpha-1 globulin fraction did not statistically differ. These results indicate that the infection by T. evansi in cats alters the serum protein electrophoretic profile. Thus, the increase in γ-globulin fraction is a common finding in infection by T. evansi, caused mainly by increased IgM and IgG. However, the α2-globulin subfraction showed increase throughout the experimental period and, possibly, the proteins of this subfraction are directly involved in host defense against flagellate. Thereby, further studies is essentials to define the true role of each protein fraction in the control of infection.