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Early Ascaris suum migration in mice as a model for pigs
H C Slotved1, L Eriksen, K D Murrell
1Danish Centre for Experimental Parasitology, The Royal Veterinary and Agricultural University, Copenhagen.
Abstract:
A study was made of the early migratory pattern of Ascaris suum in mice. Mice were each inoculated orally with a single dose of 2,500 infective eggs and then killed at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hr postinoculation (PI). At necropsy, it was observed that the larvae had penetrated the mouse cecum and colon and had reached the liver by 4 hr PI. This migratory behavior closely mimics what is observed in the pig and suggests that the mouse may serve as an experimental model for intestinal immunity in the early phase of A. suum infection.
Insights
The study tracked early Ascaris suum migration in mice. Larvae reached the liver within 4 hours, suggesting mice can model intestinal immunity for this parasitic infection.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Ascaris suum is a significant roundworm parasite affecting both animals and humans.
- Understanding the early migratory patterns of A. suum is crucial for developing effective control strategies.
- The pig is the natural host, but alternative models are needed for specific research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the early migratory pathway of Ascaris suum larvae in a mouse model.
- To determine the time course of larval migration from oral inoculation to internal organs.
- To assess the suitability of the mouse as an experimental model for A. suum intestinal immunity.
Main Methods:
- Mice were orally inoculated with 2,500 infective A. suum eggs.
- Mice were euthanized at specific time points: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 hours postinoculation (PI).
- Necropsy was performed to identify and track the location of A. suum larvae within the host.
Main Results:
- Ascaris suum larvae were observed penetrating the mouse cecum and colon.
- Larvae successfully reached the liver as early as 4 hours PI.
- The observed migratory pattern in mice closely resembled that in the natural host, the pig.
Conclusions:
- The mouse model effectively replicates the early intestinal migration of Ascaris suum.
- This study supports the use of mice for investigating intestinal immunity during the initial phase of A. suum infection.
- The rapid larval migration highlights the importance of early-stage interventions.