Immune and pathophysiological responses to different strains of Giardia duodenalis in neonatal mice

Numerous studies have demonstrated various strain differences between Giardia isolates, but little is known about the immunology and pathogenesis of infections. This study aimed to compare host responses to strains of Giardi duodenalis differing in levels of virulence and pathogenicity and, by doing so, elucidate the mechanisms via which pathogenic strains establish infections. Marked differences were found in the infection dynamics, histopathological responses and serum antibody responses of neonatal mice infected with either G. duodenalis strain BRIS/83/HEPU/106 (isolated from a human) or BRIS/95/HEPU/2041 (isolated from a sulphur-crested cockatoo, Cacatua galerita). Infections with the bird strain were more intense (6.7-times greater) and persisted longer (by 14days) than infections with the human strain. The bird strain was more pathogenic and caused greater pathophysiological alteration to the gut mucosa, including increased villous atrophy, hyperplasia of goblet cells and vacuolated epithelial cells. Mice infected with the bird strain produced less serum anti-Giardia IgA and IgM, but more total (non-specific) serum IgA than those infected with the human strain of Giardia. This suggests that avian G. duodenalis strains are infective for mammalian hosts and may contribute to zoonotic infections. Furthermore, infection of mice with BRIS/95/HEPU/2041 serves as a good experimental model to provide further insight into the mechanisms via which G. duodenalis causes disease.