Brain oxidative status and behavioral response of mice infected with Trypanosoma evansi

Abstract

There is a growing awareness of the importance of incorporating behavioral changes into infectious disease treatments. In this study, we evaluated whether behavioral changes in mouse brains were altered following infection with the Trypanosoma evansi parasite. Infection significantly reduced locomotor activity as well as vertical and horizontal movements. In the grip strength test, infected mice showed a lower peak than the control group, and in the rotator test, parasite-infected mice spent less time on the rod compared with control mice. The parasite decreased the concentration of both glutathione and catalase in the brain. In addition, the infection caused a significant increase in the levels of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide. The infection induced marked histopathological changes in the brain parts and considerably increased the concentrations of both dopamine and serotonin in the brains of mice. Collectively, T. evansi infection resulted in an oxidative imbalance in the brain. This resulted in neurodegenerative alterations in the brain, as well as a shift in the behavior of mice.