Fibrinogen and fibrinogen-fibrin degradation products in experimental African trypanosomiasis

Fibrinogen and fibrinogen/fibrin degradation products in experimental African trypanosomiasis. International Journal for Parasitology4: 143–151. Studies have been carried out on some components of the fibrinolytic system of rabbits infected with two strains of Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei. Significant increases in fibrinogen/ fibrin degradation products (FDP) occur with a peak of activity 14–21 days after infection. Plasma fibrinogen concentrations increase during the infection. Measurement of plasminogen concentrations and experimental inhibition of plasmin by drugs suggests that plasminogen is being activated during the infection giving rise to FDP production. Administration of the trypanocidal drug Mel B to infected rabbits did not cause a rapid change in FDP levels. The results suggest an increased synthesis of fibrinogen. This, together with the increased amount of FDP, may be indicative of an increased fibrinolytic activity suggesting the formation of microthrombi in the circulation.