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Updated: Apr 14, 2026
A Mouse Model of Chronic Liver Fibrosis for the Study of Biliary Atresia
Published on: February 3, 2023
Hepatic tissue changes in rats due to chronic invasion of Babesia microti
Abstract:
The etiological agents of babesiosis are intraerythrocytic parasites of the genus Babesia, which are transmitted by ticks. The course of disease is characterized by variable severity. The risk of a complicated course of babesiosis occurs in premature infants, the elderly, splenectomized patients and other immunocompromised patients. Severe cases of this disease can lead to multiple organ dysfunction. The study focuses on the impact assessment of chronic Babesia microti invasion on the morphology and ultrastructure of rat liver. The analyzed material was comprised of liver samples collected from Wistar rats infected with a reference strain of B. microti (ATCC 30221). None of the livers collected from rats with babesiosis was enlarged. The histopathological analyses showed signs of intensive inflammatory processes, especially in the perivascular areas. The hepatic mononuclear phagocyte system was characterized by increased activity. The ultrastructral analyses confirmed disintegration of hepatocytes with vacuolization in the perivascular areas. In addition, the perisinusoidal space (space of Disse) had irregular structure. In some areas, the space of Disse was enlarged or compressed. The morphological and ultrastructural analyses of rat liver with chronic babesiosis caused by B. microti showed significant pathological changes in perivascular areas which may be the cause of hepatic dysfunction.
Insights
Chronic Babesia microti infection causes significant liver damage in rats. Histopathology revealed inflammation and cellular changes, potentially leading to hepatic dysfunction.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Hepatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Babesiosis, caused by intraerythrocytic Babesia parasites transmitted by ticks, presents with variable severity.
- Severe babesiosis poses risks to immunocompromised individuals and can lead to multi-organ dysfunction.
- Chronic Babesia microti invasion's impact on liver morphology and ultrastructure requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of chronic Babesia microti infection on the morphology and ultrastructure of rat liver.
- To identify specific pathological changes in the liver associated with chronic babesiosis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of Wistar rats with a reference strain of Babesia microti (ATCC 30221).
- Histopathological analysis of liver samples to evaluate inflammatory processes.
- Ultrastructural analysis to examine cellular and tissue-level changes in the liver.
Main Results:
- No enlargement of livers was observed in infected rats.
- Histopathology indicated intensive inflammatory processes, particularly in perivascular areas.
- Ultrastructural analysis revealed hepatocyte disintegration, vacuolization, and irregular structure of the space of Disse.
Conclusions:
- Chronic Babesia microti infection induces significant pathological changes in rat liver, especially in perivascular regions.
- Observed morphological and ultrastructural alterations suggest a potential cause for hepatic dysfunction.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the mechanisms of liver damage in chronic babesiosis.
