ANTIGENIC TYPE OF FIRST RELAPSE VARIANTS ARISING FROM A STRAIN OF TRYPANOSOMA (TRYPANOZOON) BRUCEI

The antigenic types represented in trypanosome populations derived from a single Trypanosoma (Trypanozoon) brucei stabilate were studied, particularly the populations comprising the first relapse waves of parasitemia. By setting up clone populations from these, and raising monospecific antisera to them, information was gained regarding the antigenic constitution of the variant populations. Six different antigenic types were recognized, designated ETat 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Variant populations were shown sometimes to consist of mixtures of more than one antigenic type, thus explaining the cross reactions commonly occurring in tests carried out with less refined materials. The first antigenic variants occurring from a single material were found not to be always of the same antigenic type. © 1969.