Encephalitozoonosis in laboratory animals--a serological survey

Serum samples of rabbits, guinea pigs, Syrian golden hamsters and mice from various breeding stations and laboratory colonies were examined for the presence of antibodies to Encephalitozoon cuniculi by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Of more than 500 rabbits, only those from commercial farms and laboratory colonies were found positive. The number of positive animals fluctuated in different colonies from 0% to 95%. 140 guinea pigs were examined. Two colonies were antibody-free, four colonies contained 29-85% of positively reacting animals. 110 Syrian golden hamsters from five colonies showed that in four colonies 14-80% of animals reacted positively and only one colony was negative. Of 126 rats examined, 15% and 30% of animals from two colonies contained significant antibody levels. Two colonies were negative. 200 mice from a number of colonies did not show any significant positivity. The significance of these results is discussed.