This study investigated the effect of experimental Trypanosoma brucei infection on the placentome diameter (PD) of twenty four gestating West African dwarf does. The does were randomized into 4 equal groups with G1 as control while G2, G3 and G4 were intravenously inoculated with 5 x 108 trypanosomes on days 25, 51 and 101 post breeding (PB), respectively. Real-time trans-abdominal scan was carried out with 3.5-5MHz convex transducer. The differences between the mean PD readings on days 60, 75 and 132 for G1 (1.18 ± 0.32, 1.63 ± 0.83 and 2.43 ± 0.69) cm, G3 (1.20 ± 0.82, 0.49 ± 3.13) cm and G4 (1.19 ± 0.26, 1.65 ± 0.05 and 2.39 ± 1.16) cm, respectively were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). At day 60, the mean value for does in G1 (1.18 ± 0.32) cm was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than for G2 (0.88 ± 1.53) cm. At day 75, the mean value for does in G1 (1.63 ± 0.83) cm was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than for G3 (0.49 ± 3.13) cm. At day 132, the difference between the mean values of PD for does in G1 (2.43 ± 0.69) cm and G4 (2.39 ± 1.16) cm was not significant (P ≥ 0.05). The placenta tissue loss following infection for G2 and G3 were 25.4% and 69.9% at 36 DPI and 25 DPI, respectively. No values were obtained at days 75 and 132 for does in G2 and at day 132 for does in G3 either due to abortion or death. These findings indicate that experimental T. brucei infection led to reduced placentome diameter during critical periods of increased foetal development.
Key words: Gestation, Placentome diameter, Trypanosoma brucei, Ultrasonography, West African dwarf does
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