Serum Arginase, a biomarker of treatment efficacy in human African trypanosomiasis

Abstract

Arginase serum levels were increased in human African trypanosomiasis patients and returned to control values after treatment. Arginase hydrolyzes L-arginine to L-ornithine, which is essential for parasite growth. Moreover, L-arginine depletion impairs immune functions. Arginase may be considered as a biomarker for treatment efficacy. © 2013, American Society for Microbiology.