A model of hepatic amoebiasis in random bred mice

This study describes a model of hepatic amoebiasis in random bred mice (MF2). Mice were infected by introducing liver tissue from hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus), containing about 5 X 10(4) trophozoites of Entamoeba histolytica, between adjacent liver lobes. Direct inoculation of xenic E. histolytica resulted in mortality within 24 h, whereas monoxenic and axenic strains failed to produce any lesions. Serial mouse liver passage resulted in increased lesion score, number of metastatic abscesses, and mortality. Metronidazole 150 mg/kg produced complete healing of the abscess. It is expected that this model will be useful to study host-parasite interactions, immunology and experimental chemotherapy of amoebiasis.