Cytotoxic effect of unilamellar detergent dialysis liposomes on Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense bloodstream forms in vitro

Liposomes from egg yolk lecithin and egg yolk lecithin/ganglioside are cytotoxic for Trypanosoma brucei and Trypanosoma congolense bloodstream forms in vitro. The trypanocidal effect is influenced by the liposome age and concentration. This effect is diminished in the presence of whole blood in vitro and could not be observed in vivo. Freeze-fractured parasite membrane showed an intramembranous particle aggregation after incubation with liposomes. Liposomes from egg yolk lecithin kill trypanosomes more rapidly than do liposomes from egg yolk lecithin/cholesterol.