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Influenza A Virus Studies in a Mouse Model of Infection
Published on: September 7, 2017
Virulent Avian Giardia duodenalis Pathogenic for Mice
J A Upcroft1, P A McDonnell, P Upcroft
1The Queensland Institute of Medical Research, The Bancroft Centre, 300 Herston Road, Brisbane, Queensland 4029, Australia.
Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|October 17, 2006
Summary
A Giardia duodenalis infection in a sulphur-crested cockatoo highlights avian Giardia as a potential public health concern. This parasite can infect mammals, posing risks to watersheds.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Zoonotic Disease Research
- Avian Pathology
Background:
- Avian Giardia infections are not well-characterized.
- Giardia duodenalis is a significant cause of gastrointestinal illness in mammals.
- Wild birds can act as reservoirs for various pathogens.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize a Giardia isolate from a fatal avian infection.
- To assess the pathogenic potential of avian Giardia in a mammalian model.
- To evaluate the public health implications of avian Giardia.
Main Methods:
- Isolation and axenic culture of Giardia from a deceased sulphur-crested cockatoo.
- Infection of laboratory mice with the avian Giardia isolate.
- Morphological and genetic analysis (Giardia duodenalis group identification).
- Monitoring of infection establishment and host weight changes in mice.
Main Results:
- Giardia trophozoites from the cockatoo were successfully cultured.
- The isolate infected mice, establishing chronic infections.
- Infected mice exhibited impaired weight gain.
- Genetic and morphological analysis confirmed the isolate as Giardia duodenalis.
Conclusions:
- Avian Giardia duodenalis can be pathogenic to mammals.
- Birds may serve as a reservoir for Giardia strains transmissible to humans.
- Further research is needed to understand the role of birds in Giardia transmission and watershed contamination.
