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Viability of Echinococcus granulosus cysts in mice following cultivation in vitro
N Casado1, A Criado, A Jimenez
1Laboratory of Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Alcalá de Henares, Carretera Madrid-Barcelona, Spain.
Abstract:
The viability of hydatid cysts developed in vitro for 90 days was assessed by implantation into mice. Cysts removed from mice at 270 days post-infection (p.i.) increased their size 13.5-fold and contained several brood capsules containing protoscoleces. Thus, cysts remain viable after prolonged in vitro culture. The implantation in mice of 15 cysts developed in vitro yielded an average of 10 cysts per mouse, which is indicative of a high survival rate in these experimental infections. The ultrastructural study of cysts recovered from mice 270 days p.i. showed that the germinal membrane was more compact than before implantation and several layers of tegumental cells had developed. Observations of cysts removed from mice indicated that the plasma membrane surrounding microtriches had prolongations opening into the laminated layer.
Insights
Hydatid cysts cultured in vitro for 90 days remained viable after implantation into mice. These viable cysts showed significant growth and development, indicating successful long-term in vitro culture for parasitic studies.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Hydatid cysts, caused by Echinococcus species, pose a significant public health concern.
- Maintaining parasite viability in vitro is crucial for research and drug development.
- Previous studies have explored in vitro cultivation, but long-term viability and infectivity require further assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the viability of hydatid cysts after prolonged in vitro culture.
- To evaluate the infectivity and developmental capacity of in vitro-cultured cysts following implantation in a host model.
- To investigate the ultrastructural changes in hydatid cysts after in vivo passage.
Main Methods:
- Hydatid cysts were cultured in vitro for 90 days.
- In vitro-cultured cysts were implanted into mice.
- Cysts were recovered from mice at 270 days post-infection (p.i.).
- Morphological and ultrastructural analyses were performed on recovered cysts.
Main Results:
- In vitro-cultured cysts remained viable and infectious after implantation.
- Recovered cysts showed a 13.5-fold size increase and contained brood capsules with protoscoleces.
- Ultrastructural examination revealed a more compact germinal membrane and developed tegumental cells.
- The plasma membrane surrounding microtriches exhibited prolongations opening into the laminated layer.
Conclusions:
- Prolonged in vitro culture (90 days) does not compromise the viability and infectivity of hydatid cysts.
- In vitro-cultured hydatid cysts can successfully develop and mature in vivo.
- These findings support the use of in vitro culture systems for long-term maintenance of hydatid cysts for experimental purposes.