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Published on: May 27, 2015
Susceptibility of mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice to Cryptosporidium parvum
1National Animal Disease Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ames, Iowa 50010.
Abstract:
Mast cell-deficient W/Wv infant mice were similar to normal mice in their susceptibility to and recovery from infection with the intestinal protozoan Cryptosporidium parvum. W/Wv adult mice were significantly more susceptible to primary infection than were normal adult mice, but both groups recovered at a similar rate.
Insights
Mast cell deficiency did not affect infant mice infected with Cryptosporidium parvum. However, adult mast cell-deficient mice showed increased susceptibility to this intestinal protozoan infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Mast cells play a role in immune responses to various pathogens.
- The role of mast cells in Cryptosporidium parvum infection is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of mast cells in susceptibility and recovery from Cryptosporidium parvum infection.
- To compare mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice with normal mice.
Main Methods:
- Infection of mast cell-deficient W/Wv infant and adult mice with Cryptosporidium parvum.
- Comparison of susceptibility and recovery rates between W/Wv and normal mice.
Main Results:
- Infant W/Wv mice showed similar susceptibility and recovery to Cryptosporidium parvum as normal mice.
- Adult W/Wv mice exhibited significantly higher susceptibility to primary infection compared to normal adult mice.
- Both W/Wv and normal adult mice recovered from infection at comparable rates.
Conclusions:
- Mast cells may play a more critical role in controlling Cryptosporidium parvum infection in adult mice than in infants.
- Age-dependent differences exist in the role of mast cells during protozoan intestinal infections.
