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Human Taenia eggs develop into cysticerci in scid mice
1Department of Parasitology, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan. akiraito@cc.gifu-u.ac.jp
Parasitology
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mice can host developing Taenia cestode larvae, offering a new model for studying human taeniid infections. These mice support the development of cysticerci, which appear more advanced than those in typical intermediate hosts.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Veterinary Medicine
Background:
- Taenia saginata and Taenia solium use cattle and pigs as intermediate hosts, respectively.
- Understanding Taenia development is crucial for controlling human taeniasis.
- Severe combined immunodeficiency (scid) mice offer a unique model for studying host-pathogen interactions due to their impaired immune systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the suitability of scid mice as experimental hosts for Taenia oncospheres.
- To characterize the development and morphology of Taenia cysticerci in scid mice.
Main Methods:
- In vitro-hatched oncospheres of Asian Taenia and Taenia solium were subcutaneously injected into scid mice.
- Metacestode development was monitored and characterized over time.
- Morphological analysis of cysticerci, including hooklet presence and size, was performed.
Main Results:
- In vitro-hatched oncospheres of Asian Taenia and Taenia solium developed into fully matured cysticerci in scid mice.
- Five-month-old Asian Taenia metacestodes lacked hooklets and were larger than previously reported, resembling T. saginata.
- The morphology indicated advanced cysticerci development, potentially exceeding that in natural intermediate hosts.
Conclusions:
- Scid mice serve as a valuable experimental animal model for studying human taeniid cestode infections.
- This model facilitates research into Taenia development and pathogenesis.
- Further studies using scid mice can advance our understanding of taeniasis and inform control strategies.