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Infectious form of Spironucleus (Hexamita) muris: banded cysts
Abstract:
Spironucleus muris is a facultative pathogen which may impair experiments on rodents. During examination of thymus-deficient (nu/nu) mice of Han:NMRI stock which were spontaneously infected with this flagellate, infectious cysts were found in the lower intestine and in the faeces. The disease was reproduced in animals fed these cysts. The observed prepatent time was 2-3 days. The cysts are supposed to be the only infectious form of S. muris. The immature and mature stages, of the cyst with a characteristic banded appearance ('Easter-egg cysts') are described. The description of the cystic form of S. muris in the faeces of infected mice makes possible the diagnosis of spironucleosis without sacrificing the host.
Insights
Spironucleus muris, a rodent pathogen, can disrupt experiments. Identifying its infectious cysts in mouse feces allows for non-lethal diagnosis of spironucleosis, aiding research integrity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Rodent Models in Research
- Microbiology
Background:
- Spironucleus muris is a flagellate parasite that can affect rodents.
- This pathogen may compromise the validity of experimental results in animal models.
- Thymus-deficient mice (nu/nu) are susceptible to spontaneous infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the cystic stages of Spironucleus muris found in infected mice.
- To establish a non-invasive method for diagnosing spironucleosis in rodents.
- To understand the transmission and prepatent period of Spironucleus muris.
Main Methods:
- Examination of feces and lower intestine contents from infected thymus-deficient mice.
- Inoculation of healthy mice with isolated cysts to reproduce the disease.
- Microscopic description of immature and mature Spironucleus muris cysts.
Main Results:
- Infectious Spironucleus muris cysts were identified in the lower intestine and feces.
- The disease was successfully reproduced in mice fed these cysts, with a prepatent time of 2-3 days.
- Characteristic 'Easter-egg cysts' (immature and mature stages) were described, enabling host-sparing diagnosis.
Conclusions:
- Spironucleus muris cysts are the primary infectious form of the parasite.
- Fecal examination for Spironucleus muris cysts provides a reliable method for diagnosing spironucleosis without sacrificing the host animal.
- Accurate diagnosis of spironucleosis is crucial for maintaining the integrity of rodent-based research.