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Updated: Aug 9, 2026
Trichuris muris Infection: A Model of Type 2 Immunity and Inflammation in the Gut
Published on: May 24, 2011
Effects of infection with Enterobacteriaceae enteropathogens on subsequent infection with Ascaris suum in the
Abstract:
Prior to infection with Ascaris suum, ICR strain mice were inoculated with Salmonella typhisuis intraperitoneally or via gastric gavage. Similarly, Salmonella cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf, Salmonella typhimurium and enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli were administered to mice via gastric gavage 2 weeks prior to A. suum inoculation. Previous inoculation with S. typhisuis, via the intraperitoneal or gastric gavage routes and S. cholerae-suis var. kunzendorf decreased recovery of ascarid larvae from mice lungs. This effect appeared to be due to entrapment of migrating larvae by inflammatory reactions in the liver. This reaction was suspected to be due to non-specific resistance stimulated by the prior exposure to the bacterial pathogen. The number of A. suum larvae in the lungs of mice previously inoculated with S. typhimurium or enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) was variable and in some cases greater in mice which had received the bacterial inoculation.
Insights
Prior Salmonella infection in mice reduced Ascaris suum larvae in lungs, suggesting enhanced non-specific immunity. However, other bacterial exposures showed variable effects on parasite recovery.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Ascaris suum is a significant helminth parasite.
- Bacterial infections can modulate host immune responses.
- Understanding cross-species interactions is crucial for disease control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of prior bacterial infections on Ascaris suum larval migration in mice.
- To determine if pre-exposure to specific bacterial pathogens influences host resistance to helminth infection.
Main Methods:
- Mice were inoculated with Salmonella typhisuis, Salmonella choleraesuis var. kunzendorf, Salmonella typhimurium, or enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC).
- Mice were subsequently infected with Ascaris suum.
- Larval recovery from mouse lungs was quantified to assess the effect of prior bacterial exposure.
Main Results:
- Prior inoculation with Salmonella typhisuis and Salmonella choleraesuis var. kunzendorf significantly decreased Ascaris suum larval recovery in the lungs.
- This reduction was attributed to inflammatory liver reactions trapping migrating larvae, indicating enhanced non-specific resistance.
- In contrast, prior inoculation with Salmonella typhimurium or ETEC resulted in variable effects, with some cases showing increased larval counts.
Conclusions:
- Certain bacterial infections, like Salmonella typhisuis and S. choleraesuis, can prime the host immune system to confer resistance against subsequent Ascaris suum infection.
- The observed resistance is likely mediated by non-specific immune mechanisms involving inflammatory responses.
- The impact of bacterial pre-exposure on helminthiasis is pathogen-specific and warrants further investigation.
