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Miniature pigs as the intermediate host for Taenia asiatica.
Hiroshi Yamasaki1, Hiromu Sugiyama1, Yasuyuki Morishima1
1Department of Parasitology, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo 162-8640, Japan.
Parasitology International
|October 6, 2024
Summary
Pigs are not suitable intermediate hosts for Taenia asiatica. Miniature pigs showed strong immune responses, causing Taenia asiatica metacestodes to degenerate rapidly within 30 days of infection.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Taenia asiatica and Taenia solium both use pigs as intermediate hosts, but differ in metacestode survival.
- Previous research focused on infection rates and metacestode development, with limited data on pathological changes in T. asiatica infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the pathological changes in Taenia asiatica metacestodes in pigs.
- To determine the suitability of pigs as intermediate hosts for T. asiatica.
Main Methods:
- CLAWN miniature pigs were used as model animals.
- Pathological changes in T. asiatica metacestodes were observed over 30 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- T. asiatica metacestodes were found in pig livers by day 9, surrounded by eosinophilic abscesses and showing early degeneration.
- By days 20 and 30, metacestodes had completely degenerated without forming a scolex, indicating a strong host immune response.
Conclusions:
- CLAWN miniature pigs exhibit a robust immune response that prevents the development of viable T. asiatica metacestodes.
- Pigs are unsuitable intermediate hosts for T. asiatica, despite being a potential transmission route in endemic areas.
