EFFECT OF LAMPIT ON TRYPANOSOMA-CRUZI IN MICE ORGANS AND IN THE BLOOD-STREAM

Mice infected with bloodstream forms of Trypanosoma cruzi were treated with an active Nitrofuran compound (Nifurtimox, Lampit). Determination of the number of intracellular forms of T. cruzi in the liver and the spleen of control and Lampit-treated mice showed that the drug induced a decrease in the number of parasites inside the cells. A decrease in the number of bloodstream forms was also observed. Ultrastructural observations showed that Lampit induces several alterations in T.cruzi, the most characteristic alteration being the appearance of dense masses localized in the mitochondrial matrix of the parasites. © 1979 Springer-Verlag.