New insight into RBC membrane and trypanosome infection

Trypanosomiasis is an endemic disease which is invariably fatal if not treated. It is characterized by biochemical and haematological changes which often influence the pathogenesis of the disease. The disease is connected with a rapid decrease RBC counts, haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume (PCV) and unhealthy pale appearance in the mucosa membranes in the infected hosts.1 Red blood cell membrane is a bilayer which consists of proteins, glycolipids and unique molecules and structures which confer distinct properties associated with it. The erythrocytes of humans, form the important cells generally employed in the investigation of biological membranes, have some glycoproteins in their cell membrane.2