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Using pig biliary system, in vivo propagation of Enterocytozoon bieneusi, an AIDS-related zoonotic pathogen
1College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Safety Research Institute, Chonbuk National University, Chonju 561-756, Korea. johnhlee@moak.chonbuk.ac.kr
Abstract:
A microsporidian parasite Enterocytozoon bieneusi is the most common microorganism recognized in AIDS patients, and slow scientific progress is attributed to our inability to propagate the parasite. We report upon the development of a system of propagation using the pig biliary system. The parasite spores were continuously detected in the bile samples post onset of spore shedding in the gall bladder, which suggests that this organism maintain persistent infection in the biliary system and that the hepatobiliary tree may represent a reservoir of infection. In conclusion the biliary tree is an adequate niche for the propagation of E. bieneusi. This work has also resulted in the development of a procedure of ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis for aspirating biles. This is a simple and non-surgical procedure, and creates no signs of clinical complications in the livers and the gall bladders after dozens of separate attempts. Thus, this is a very useful and safe technique for the aspiration of bile from live animals.
Insights
Researchers developed a pig biliary system to propagate Enterocytozoon bieneusi, a common AIDS parasite. This breakthrough enables further study of the microsporidian and offers a safe bile aspiration technique.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a microsporidian parasite frequently identified in AIDS patients.
- Limited understanding of E. bieneusi is due to difficulties in parasite propagation.
- The hepatobiliary system's role in E. bieneusi infection remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reliable system for propagating Enterocytozoon bieneusi.
- To investigate the pig biliary system as a potential host environment for E. bieneusi.
- To establish a safe and effective method for bile sample collection in live animals.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the pig biliary system for E. bieneusi propagation.
- Monitored parasite spore presence in bile samples.
- Developed and employed ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis for bile aspiration.
Main Results:
- Continuous detection of E. bieneusi spores in bile samples, indicating persistent infection.
- The pig biliary system was confirmed as an adequate niche for parasite propagation.
- Ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis proved to be a safe, non-surgical, and effective bile aspiration technique without causing clinical complications.
Conclusions:
- The pig biliary system supports persistent Enterocytozoon bieneusi infection and allows for parasite propagation.
- The hepatobiliary tree can serve as a reservoir for E. bieneusi.
- Ultrasound-guided cholecystocentesis is a valuable and safe procedure for obtaining bile samples from live animals for research purposes.
