Observations on the antigenicity and serological relationships of stocks of Trypanosoma congolense from East and West Africa.

Antigenic relationships of 4 stocks of Trypanosoma congolense from different parts of Africa were examined by immunofluorescence (IFAT) and neutralization tests. Antisera to each stock were obtained from rabbits infected with trypanosomes transmitted by Glossina morsitans. Trypanosomes for use as antigens were obtained from local skin reactions developing on rabbits infected with 2 of the stocks. Using the IFAT and antisera at end-point dilutions approximately 40% of the trypanosomes fluoresced strongly and a further 30% less intensely with homologous antisera, indicating antigenic heterogeneity among the trypanosomes developing in the skin. Using antisera at low dilutions some samples gave cross-reactions with trypanosomes of heterologous stocks, but at higher dilutions there were no cross-reactions with either of the antigens. The lack of cross-reactions at high antiserum dilutions was interpreted as indicating antigenic differences between the 4 trypanosome stocks. Using neutralization tests only homologous antisera reduced the infectivity of trypanosome suspensions. Overall, these observations indicated that there were at least 3 different strains of T. congolense among the 4 stocks examined.