Experimental Blastocystis hominis infection in laboratory mice
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1Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
Abstract:
Young (less than 8 weeks old) immunocompetent BALB/c mice became infected with Blastocystis hominis after inoculation of fecal cysts orally and of in vitro axenic-culture forms intracecally. This study confirmed that the fecal cyst was the form responsible for external transmission and that the mode of transmission was by the fecal-oral route. The infection was self-limiting and the infected BALB/c mice appeared normal except that some of them showed weight loss and lethargy. Both vacuolar and granular forms were found in the cecum, but only cyst forms were observed in the colon. Histological examination of the cecum and colon showed intense inflammatory-cell infiltration, edematous lamina propria, and mucosal sloughing. It is apparent that although B. hominis is not invasive, it is capable of causing pathogenesis in BALB/c mice.
Insights
Blastocystis hominis infection in mice, transmitted via fecal-oral route, causes gut inflammation and symptoms like weight loss. The study confirms fecal cysts are key for transmission and B. hominis pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Pathogenesis
Background:
- Blastocystis hominis is a common enteric protozoan parasite.
- Understanding its transmission and pathogenic mechanisms is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the transmission route and pathogenesis of Blastocystis hominis in a murine model.
- To identify the infective stage of Blastocystis hominis.
Main Methods:
- Infection of BALB/c mice with Blastocystis hominis via oral and intracecal inoculation.
- Observation of clinical signs, parasite forms, and histological changes in the gut.
Main Results:
- Fecal cysts were confirmed as the infective form for fecal-oral transmission.
- Infection was self-limiting, with some mice exhibiting weight loss and lethargy.
- Histological analysis revealed inflammation, edema, and mucosal sloughing in the cecum and colon.
Conclusions:
- Blastocystis hominis transmission occurs through the fecal-oral route, with cysts being the primary infective stage.
- Despite not being invasive, Blastocystis hominis can induce significant pathogenesis in immunocompetent mice.