Co-infection with Trypanosoma cruzi Protects Mice from Malaria
Author Information
Author(s): Egima Claudia M, Macedo Silene F, Sasso Gisela R S, Covarrubias Charles, Cortez Mauro, Maeda Fernando Y, Costa Fabio T, Yoshida Nobuko
Primary Institution: Universidade Federal de São Paulo
Hypothesis
Does co-infection with Trypanosoma cruzi modulate the effects of Plasmodium berghei ANKA in mice?
Conclusion
Co-infection with T. cruzi protects C57BL/6 mice from early death caused by malaria infection.
Supporting Evidence
- Mice infected only with P. berghei ANKA died within 7–11 days.
- Co-infected mice survived longer without symptoms of cerebral malaria.
- Protection was effective when T. cruzi was given 15 days before P. berghei inoculation.
- Breakdown of the blood brain barrier was less pronounced in co-infected mice.
- Co-infection with T. cruzi reduced pulmonary edema caused by malaria.
Takeaway
When mice get infected with both T. cruzi and malaria, they live longer and feel less sick than those infected with just malaria.
Methodology
C57BL/6 mice were infected with either P. berghei ANKA, T. cruzi, or both, and monitored for symptoms and mortality.
Limitations
The study was conducted in mice, which may not fully represent human infections.
Participant Demographics
C57BL/6 mice were used in the study.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website