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Infectivity and normal development of third stage Brugia malayi maintained in vitro
J A Yates1, K A Schmitz, F K Nelson
1Department of Biological Sciences, Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan 48309.
The Journal of Parasitology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Transporting Brugia malayi infective larvae (L3s) is crucial for research. Culturing L3s at 20 C or 37 C for up to 120 hours maintains their infectivity, enabling successful shipment and infection of animal models.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Shipment of infective filarial larvae (L3s) typically involves live vectors or cryopreserved larvae.
- Maintaining larval viability and infectivity during transport is essential for research and control efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine optimal culture conditions for transporting Brugia malayi L3s.
- To evaluate the impact of temperature on larval survival and infectivity post-culture.
Main Methods:
- Brugia malayi L3s were cultured in Ham's F-12 medium with antibiotics and serum.
- Larvae were incubated at 0 C, 20 C, or 37 C for varying durations (24-120 hours).
- Infectivity was assessed by injecting cultured larvae into jirds and evaluating worm recovery and microfilaremia.
Main Results:
- Larvae incubated at 0 C lost infectivity, while those at 20 C and 37 C remained infective for up to 120 hours.
- No significant difference in worm recovery or size was observed between fresh L3s and those cultured at 20 C or 37 C.
- Shipped L3s maintained in culture showed high viability and produced patent infections in animal models.
Conclusions:
- Culturing Brugia malayi L3s at 20 C or 37 C is a viable method for transport.
- This method preserves larval infectivity, facilitating research and potential therapeutic strategies against filariasis.