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The infectivity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi in vivo and in vitro
Abstract:
The infectivity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi grown in cell cultures was determined in cultured cells and in wild and domestic rabbits. The ratio of the total to tissue culture viable count was 1,300 (median of seven determinations). The mean ratio of intact spore count to total count, as determined by electron microscopy was 0.12. Although variation between infectivity experiments was large, the median animal infective dose contained 51 FFU (cell culture focus-forming units) for wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and 40 FFU for domestic rabbits. These two infectivities were not statistically different.
Insights
Encephalitozoon cuniculi infectivity was assessed in cell cultures and rabbits. The median infective dose for wild and domestic rabbits was similar, indicating comparable susceptibility in both populations.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Encephalitozoon cuniculi is an intracellular microsporidian parasite with a wide host range.
- Understanding its infectivity is crucial for controlling infections in both wild and domestic animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the infectivity of Encephalitozoon cuniculi cultured in vitro.
- To compare the infective dose required for wild and domestic rabbits.
Main Methods:
- Infectivity was determined in cultured cells and in vivo using wild (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and domestic rabbits.
- Viable cell counts and spore integrity were assessed.
- Animal infective doses were calculated as focus-forming units (FFU).
Main Results:
- The ratio of total to viable cell culture counts was 1,300.
- The mean ratio of intact spores to total spores was 0.12.
- Median infective doses were 51 FFU for wild rabbits and 40 FFU for domestic rabbits, with no statistically significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Cell culture provides a viable method for growing Encephalitozoon cuniculi.
- Wild and domestic rabbits exhibit similar susceptibility to Encephalitozoon cuniculi infection based on median infective dose.