Mouse-to-mouse transmission of infections with Giardia muris

The transmission of infection with Giardia muris among CD-1 mice was quantified by determining the duration of the latent period and intensity of cyst release during the acute phase of the infection. Housing of experimentally inoculated mice with uninfected mice in the same cage resulted in 100% transmission of infection. The dissemination of the infection was faster if experimentally inoculated hosts were passing high numbers of cysts at the time of housing with uninfected animals. The course of 'naturally' acquired and experimentally induced infections was similar. We conclude that G. muris has a high transmission potential and that the number of cysts randomly consumed does not influence the course and eventual outcome of the infection.