Abstract

MORENO B, Elio et al. Reactivation of the Chagasic Infection in Wistar Rats in Gestation. Kasmera [online]. 2005, vol.33, n.1, pp.51-63. ISSN 0075-5222.

Wistar rats with chronic Trypanosoma cruzi infection were subjected to a parasitological, immunological, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination for a reactivation of the infection during gestation and after giving birth. Results showed a control of patent and/or sub-patent parasitemias; high concentrations of specific anti-T. cruzi antibodies, a moderate reduction in IgG levels and a significant increase in IgM (P<0.05) after the first week of gestation; and absence of flagellate forms of T. cruzi in the amniotic fluid. Histopathology showed parasitic persistence in cardiac muscle fibers and in the uterus, mild myocarditis and myositis with signs of chronicity; moderate inflammatory infiltrate, without parasitism in the placenta stroma or brain. Immunohistochemical examination showed the presence of a nest of amastigotes in the skeletal muscle with abundant antigen deposits in sections of the heart, uterus, brain and placenta, revealing the presence of trypomastigotes in the tissue. Finally, the factors that might lead to a reactivation of T. cruzi infection in gestating Wistar rats are discussed.

Keywords : Trypanosoma cruzi; chagasic infection; Wistar rats; gestation.