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Experimental infection of inbred mouse strains with Spironucleus muris
D G Baker1, S Malineni, H W Taylor
1Department of Veterinary Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge 70803, USA. Baker_d@VT8200.vetmed.lsu.edu
Abstract:
Four inbred mouse strains: BALB/c ByJ, 129/J, C3H/HeJ, and DBA/lJ, differing in major histocompatibility type, were orally inoculated with 2 x 10(5) infectious cysts of Spironucleus muris. Fecal samples were collected for fecal cyst output prior to infection, and on days 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, and 17 after infection. Following necropsy, formalin-fixed intestinal sections were examined for the presence of trophozoites. On post-inoculation days 6 and 8, mice of the 129/J strain shed significantly (p<0.05) fewer cysts than other strains. This pilot study suggests that major histocompatibility haplotype may influence susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to S. muris.
Insights
This study investigated Spironucleus muris infection in four mouse strains. The 129/J strain showed significantly lower cyst shedding, suggesting major histocompatibility haplotype influences susceptibility.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Genetics
Background:
- Spironucleus muris is an intestinal parasite affecting rodents.
- Inbred mouse strains exhibit genetic diversity, including variations in major histocompatibility complex (MHC) haplotypes.
- Understanding host-parasite interactions is crucial for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the susceptibility of different inbred mouse strains to Spironucleus muris infection.
- To investigate the potential role of major histocompatibility (MHC) haplotype in S. muris susceptibility.
Main Methods:
- Four inbred mouse strains (BALB/c ByJ, 129/J, C3H/HeJ, DBA/lJ) were orally inoculated with S. muris infectious cysts.
- Fecal samples were collected to quantify cyst shedding over 17 days post-infection.
- Intestinal sections were examined post-necropsy for the presence of trophozoites.
Main Results:
- The 129/J mouse strain exhibited significantly lower fecal cyst shedding on days 6 and 8 post-inoculation compared to other strains (p<0.05).
- Trophozoites were detected in intestinal sections of infected mice across all strains.
- Variations in cyst shedding patterns were observed among the tested mouse strains.
Conclusions:
- Major histocompatibility (MHC) haplotype may play a role in determining the susceptibility of inbred mouse strains to Spironucleus muris.
- The 129/J strain appears to possess a degree of resistance or altered host response to S. muris.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific immune mechanisms involved.