Comparative in vitro isolation of Trypanosoma theileri from cattle in Belgium

Ten blood samples randomly collected from cows on a farm nearby Antwerp, Belgium, were inoculated into KIVI culture medium (Kit for In Vitro Isolation of trypanosomes) and RPMI 10%+feeder medium. Within 3 weeks of incubation all KIVI cultures and four RPMI 10%+feeder revealed presence of Trypanosoma theileri. Some practical implications regarding the use of KIVI for isolation of pathogenic African trypanosomes from cattle and other Bovidae are discussed.