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Predisposition to Brugia malayi microfilaremia in progeny of infected gerbils
Abstract:
Patency of Brugia malayi infection in gerbils born of infected parents was compared to that in gerbils from noninfected parents. Following infection with third stage larvae, female progeny of infected parents generally became microfilaremic whereas those of noninfected parents rarely did so. Male progeny developed microfilaremia regardless of parentage, although descendants of infected parents tended to have higher parasitemia. We conclude that B. malayi infection in the mother predisposes the offspring to patent infection subsequent to inoculation with infective larvae.
Insights
Maternal Brugia malayi infection in gerbils predisposes offspring to patent infections. Offspring from infected mothers were more likely to develop microfilaremia after larval exposure.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Brugia malayi is a filarial nematode causing lymphatic filariasis.
- Understanding host-parasite interactions is crucial for disease control.
- Parental influence on offspring susceptibility to infection is not well-established for B. malayi.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of maternal Brugia malayi infection on the susceptibility of gerbil offspring to subsequent infection.
- To compare patency of infection in gerbils with infected versus non-infected parents.
Main Methods:
- Gerbils were bred from either infected or non-infected dams.
- Offspring were inoculated with third-stage larvae of Brugia malayi.
- Microfilaremia and parasitemia levels were monitored in the progeny.
Main Results:
- Female progeny from infected mothers exhibited significantly higher rates of microfilaremia compared to those from non-infected mothers.
- Male progeny developed microfilaremia irrespective of maternal infection status, but higher parasitemia was observed in descendants of infected mothers.
- Maternal Brugia malayi infection was associated with increased susceptibility to patent infection in offspring.
Conclusions:
- Maternal Brugia malayi infection creates a predisposition in gerbil offspring to develop patent infections.
- This suggests a transgenerational effect of filarial infection on host susceptibility.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms behind this maternal influence.