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Fatal experimental Babesia microti infections in the Norwegian lemming, Lemmus lemmus (L.)
Abstract:
Experimental infections of Babesia microti in laboratory-reared Clethrionomys glareolus revealed that approximately 15% of the erythrocytes were infected with single ring forms during peak parasitemia. Infected erythrocytes could be detected in blood smears up to one month post infection. C. glareolus treated with a single injection of Depo-Medrol i.m. two days prior to infection displayed a four-fold increase in number of infected erythrocytes at peak parasitemia, 35% of which contained more than one Babesia, and a prolongation of the infection. B. microti infections in 35 laboratory--reared Lemmus lemmus were fatal. Multiple invasion of erythrocytes, anemia, icterus, hemoglobinuria, anorexia and weight loss, and adrenal and splenic hypertrophy were characteristic for B. microti infections in Norwegian lemmings.
Insights
Babesia microti infections in bank voles showed moderate parasitemia, while infections in Norwegian lemmings were fatal. Corticosteroid treatment exacerbated Babesia microti infections in voles.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Mammalian Models
Background:
- Babesia microti is an apicomplexan parasite causing babesiosis.
- Rodents serve as reservoirs for various Babesia species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Babesia microti experimental infections in Clethrionomys glareolus (bank voles) and Lemmus lemmus (Norwegian lemmings).
- To evaluate the effect of corticosteroid treatment on B. microti infection in bank voles.
Main Methods:
- Experimental inoculation of laboratory-reared bank voles and Norwegian lemmings with Babesia microti.
- Administration of Depo-Medrol (corticosteroid) to a subset of bank voles prior to infection.
- Monitoring of parasitemia levels, clinical signs, and host responses.
Main Results:
- Bank voles exhibited peak parasitemia with approximately 15% infected erythrocytes, detectable for one month.
- Corticosteroid treatment in bank voles led to a four-fold increase in parasitemia, multiple erythrocyte invasion, and prolonged infection.
- Babesia microti infections were fatal in Norwegian lemmings, characterized by severe anemia, icterus, hemoglobinuria, anorexia, weight loss, and organ hypertrophy.
Conclusions:
- Clethrionomys glareolus can sustain Babesia microti infections, with corticosteroids exacerbating disease severity.
- Lemmus lemmus is a highly susceptible host for Babesia microti, exhibiting a fatal outcome.
- These findings highlight differential host susceptibility and the impact of immunosuppression on babesiosis progression.