A new semi-defined medium for Trypanosoma brucei sspp.

A new, easy to prepare semi-defined medium for the cultivation of trypanosomes of the T. brucei complex is introduced. Containing the two commercially available media MEM (Minimum Essential Medium) and Medium 199 TC45 as well as 10% inactivated foetal calf serum (fcs), the medium supports optimum growth and direct adaptation of bloodstream forms. Growth characteristics, glucose uptake, amino acid utilization and the ultrastructure of trypanosomes grown in this medium are described briefly.