Comparative study of some changes in the blood and cerebral capillaries in mice during infection with Babesia rodhaini and Babesia microti

Abstract

Methods of sampling mice for "blood examination and "brain crush preparation, are described.

Erythrocyte, leucocyte and brain capillary parameters were studied in the normal mouse, and these were measured throughout infections with Babesia rodhaini and B. microti in order to compare any differences in response to these parasites.

A number of differences between the infections were established. Babesia rodhaini produced a disease of high mortality with a normocytic normochromic anaemia. The white cell response was restricted to the neutrophil series. Babesia microti produced a non-fatal disease with a macrocytic, normochromic anaemia. The white cell response was massive, involving the neutrophils, lymphocytes and monocytes.

In neither disease was any evidence, to suggest that cerebral babesiosis played an important part in the pathology of the disease, found.