The possible use of Trypanosoma musculi infection in mice as a screening test for potential Trypanosoma cruzi-active drugs.

The ability of a range of trypanocidal drugs, including a number known to be active in Trypanosoma cruzi infections were tested against Trypanosoma musculi infections in the mouse. The ability of these drugs, particularly in their ability to eliminate the "cryptic phase" of T. musculi infections remaining in the kidneys, was investigated and their activity against this phase of T. musculi largely paralleled their known activity against T. cruzi infections. It is suggested that this could be used as a preliminary screening test for potential T. cruzi-active drugs.