Longitudinal studies of the immune response of Colombian patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi and T. rangeli

摘要: Two groups of patients were examined for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies by immunofluorescence and ELISA (i) inhabitants the village surrounding rural area Tibu, Norte de Santander, Columbia (n = 327) (ii) employees Empresa Colombiana Petroleos (ECOPETROL, n 849). The latter group had a lower rate positive serology (12 as compared to 29%) but distributions antibody titres very similar in two groups. A total 119 serum samples (37 82 ECOPETROL, including 25 seronegative controls) analysed their ability immunoprecipitate 7 major polypeptides T. trypomastigotes Mr greater than 72 kDa. Although 10 sera from showed no immunoprecipitation, all remaining contained which reacted with 150, 90 85 kDa polypeptides. When positive, immunoprecipitation negative retested using GP90, thus suggesting that misdiagnosed rangeli infection. new diagnosis was confirmed epimastigotes. Longitudinal studies carried out on 19 ECOPETROL up 3.5 years. Five seropositive change anti-trypomastigote profiles over this period; one loss previously recognized high molecular weight band four others conversion profile. These presented initially uncomplicated infection then acquired superinfection. represent nucleus prospective will identify effect course subsequent South American trypanosomiasis Chagas' disease.