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Diagnosis of Ecto- and Endoparasites in Laboratory Rats and Mice
Published on: September 6, 2011
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Lessons from studying roundworm and whipworm in the mouse: common themes and unique features.
1Department of Zoology, School of Natural Sciences, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Parasitology
|August 11, 2021
Summary
Mouse models are crucial for studying neglected parasitic worms like Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm). While Trichuris has a complete mouse model, Ascaris research benefits from studying early infection stages in mice, revealing similarities and differences between these helminths.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Comparative Biology
Background:
- Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm) and Trichuris trichiura (whipworm) are prevalent, neglected soil-transmitted helminths.
- Animal models are essential for advancing the understanding of parasitic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the utility of mouse models for studying Ascaris and Trichuris biology.
- To highlight how mouse models illuminate similarities and differences between these two human intestinal nematodes.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing research utilizing mouse models for Ascaris and Trichuris.
- Comparative analysis of host-parasite interactions and life cycle completion in murine models.
Main Results:
- Trichuris muris completes its life cycle in mice, greatly advancing whipworm research.
- A murine model for Ascaris lumbricoides is lacking for full life cycle completion, but useful for studying early infection stages.
- Mouse models have historically revealed fundamental biological aspects of both parasites.
Conclusions:
- Despite differences in model suitability, mouse models remain vital for investigating both Ascaris and Trichuris.
- Continued exploration using mouse models, enhanced by new technologies, will further elucidate roundworm and whipworm biology and host interactions.
