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Acute fulminating babesiosis in hamsters infected with Babesia microti
1St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
Abstract:
In this study, Babesia microti (ATCC30222) from mice was adapted to golden hamsters. The parasite was passaged to immunosuppressed and then adapted to normal hamsters. When 30 normal hamsters were inoculated with this strain, parasitaemia increased to 74% of erythrocytes by day 7 and 70% of the hamsters died. By day 12, parasitaemia extended to 90%, with 97% mortality. Hearts and kidneys from infected animals were enlarged. Histopathology revealed acute myocarditis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, glomerulonephritis and splenomegaly. Giemsa, Acridine Orange and Rhodamine staining of the parasite were compared. Scanning electron microscopy of blood from infected hamsters revealed from 1 to 5 intra-erythrocytic parasites.
Insights
Babesia microti adapted to golden hamsters caused severe disease, leading to high mortality and organ damage. This study details the parasite adaptation and its pathological effects in a new host model.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Babesia microti is an intra-erythrocytic parasite causing babesiosis.
- Adaptation of Babesia microti to new hosts is crucial for understanding disease transmission and developing control strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To adapt Babesia microti (ATCC30222) from mice to golden hamsters.
- To characterize the pathogenicity and pathological effects of the adapted strain in normal hamsters.
Main Methods:
- Parasite adaptation through serial passage in immunosuppressed and normal hamsters.
- Monitoring parasitemia levels and host mortality.
- Gross pathology and histopathological examination of infected organs (heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, spleen).
- Comparison of parasite staining techniques (Giemsa, Acridine Orange, Rhodamine).
- Scanning electron microscopy to visualize intra-erythrocytic parasites.
Main Results:
- Successful adaptation of Babesia microti to golden hamsters.
- High parasitemia (up to 90%) and mortality (up to 97%) in infected hamsters.
- Significant enlargement of hearts and kidneys.
- Histopathological evidence of acute myocarditis, hepatitis, pneumonitis, glomerulonephritis, and splenomegaly.
- Scanning electron microscopy confirmed 1-5 intra-erythrocytic parasites.
Conclusions:
- Golden hamsters are a susceptible model for studying Babesia microti infections.
- The adapted strain induces severe, multi-organ pathology mimicking severe human babesiosis.
- This model can be valuable for research into Babesia microti pathogenesis and treatment.