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Biomedical subjects

L E Pettitt

Publications and source records attributed to L E Pettitt.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Cause of anaemia in malaria.

51Cr studies showed that after complete eradication of malarial parasites erythrocyte life-span is reduced for 4-5 weeks and that the reduction is associated with the presence of complement-containing immune complexes on the red-cell surface. The rate of erythrophagocytosis in the spleen is increased during this period. 59Fe studies of erythropoiesis indicated a mild degree of marrow depression. A very important factor causing anaemia in malaria appears to be a complement-mediated immune process.

Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune

Experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection in rhesus monkeys 111. Electrocardiographic and histopathological findings.

In five rhesus monkeys surviving 'Peru strain' or 'strain 7' Trypanosoma cruzi infection for six to eight years, positive xenodiagnosis results and high indirect fluorescent antibody titres (4096 - 65536) persisted until the animals were killed. Abnormal electrocardiograph patterns in two monkeys (H and K) were possibly compatible with myocardial damage. Histopathological changes attributable to T. cruzi infection were minor in four monkeys but severe in one (R). In this animal, infected with what was judged previously to be the less virulent of the two T. cruzi stocks used ('strain 7'), there was severe myocarditis, with myofibre degeneration, and lesions of the oesophagus. Elevated serum levels of five enzymes were not detected in any of the chronically infected monkeys.

Animals

Experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infections in rhesus monkeys. II. The early chronic phase.

Information on the acute and early chronic phases of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in eight rhesus monkeys is reported with particular reference to the pattern of subpatent parasitaemia and serology. Xenodiagnosis was superior to animal inoculation and blood culture in its capacity to detect subpatent parasitaemia. Each monkey showed an individual, relatively constant pattern of this not related to the nature of the inoculum. Levels of indirect fluorescent and indirect haemagglutinating antibodies remained elevated during a year of observations. One monkey died with a megaoesophagus. Another monkey after challenge with a heterologous strain by orbital inoculation failed to develop Romana's sign and showed no change in serum antibody levels or degree of xenopositivity.

Animals