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Observations on Onchocerca volvulus in experimentally infected chimpanzees
Tropenmedizin Und Parasitologie
|March 1, 1980
Summary
Chimpanzees infected with Onchocerca volvulus showed varying pre-patent periods and microfilariae levels depending on the parasite strain. Infections naturally resolved over several years, with microfilariae distribution influenced by inoculation site.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary parasitology
- Tropical medicine
- Primate research
Background:
- Onchocerca volvulus causes onchocerciasis, a debilitating parasitic disease.
- Chimpanzees serve as a relevant animal model for studying human onchocerciasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the infection dynamics of Onchocerca volvulus in experimentally infected chimpanzees.
- To compare different strains of O. volvulus and their impact on chimpanzee hosts.
Main Methods:
- Experimental infection of 32 chimpanzees with three strains of Onchocerca volvulus.
- Monitoring of pre-patent intervals, microfilariae levels, and adult worm burdens.
- Long-term observation of infection resolution and microfilariae distribution.
Main Results:
- Cameroon Sudan-savanna strain exhibited longer pre-patent periods and lower microfilariae counts compared to Cameroon forest and Guatemalan strains.
- Microfilarial infections resolved within 6.5-9 years post-infection.
- Microfilariae distribution correlated with inoculation site and adult worm location.
- Adult worm-bundles were predominantly found deep in tissues, often near the hip joint capsule.
Conclusions:
- Chimpanzees provide a valuable model for O. volvulus research, demonstrating strain-specific infection patterns.
- The natural resolution of infection in chimpanzees suggests host-parasite interactions that could inform therapeutic strategies.
- No ocular lesions were observed, differentiating chimpanzee pathology from severe human onchocerciasis cases.