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Brugia malayi in Mastomys coucha: establishment in immunosuppressed animals
K Tyagi1, P K Murthy, R K Chatterjee
1Division of Parasitology, Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India.
Abstract:
Investigations on various aspects of human filariasis using target filarial parasite, Brugia malayi is jeopardised to a great extent due to its prolonged incubation period and poor harvest from the existing experimental animal models. To obviate these difficulties it was decided to establish B. malayi infection in immunosuppressed Mastomys coucha. Cortisone, a well-known immunosuppressant, was used at 10-mg/kg dose level subcutaneously in two courses each of 5 days duration. The first course was administered 1 week before and the second, 1 week after infective exposure. Mastomys were exposed either with 100 or 200 L3 each. Untreated age-matched animals were also exposed simultaneously. The minimum prepatent period was observed to be 90.7 days in immunosuppressed animals exposed to 200 L3. The course of microfilaraemia in immunosuppressed and control animals was identical up to 180 days of observation period. However, the adult worm recovery from the former group of mastomys was higher. It is surmised that exposure with B. malayi L3 in immunosuppressed mastomys would be of great advantage in getting larger harvests of adult worms of B. malayi.
Insights
Researchers improved Brugia malayi infection models in Mastomys coucha by using cortisone immunosuppression. This method enhances adult worm recovery, aiding filariasis research.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Immunology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Human filariasis research, particularly with Brugia malayi, faces challenges due to long incubation periods and low yields in current animal models.
- Developing efficient experimental models is crucial for understanding filariasis and developing treatments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a more effective experimental model for Brugia malayi infection by using immunosuppressed Mastomys coucha.
- To improve the harvest of adult Brugia malayi worms for research purposes.
Main Methods:
- Mastomys coucha were immunosuppressed using cortisone (10 mg/kg) in two 5-day courses, timed before and after exposure to infective Brugia malayi larvae (L3).
- Animals were exposed to either 100 or 200 L3, with untreated controls.
- Prepatent period, microfilaraemia, and adult worm recovery were monitored.
Main Results:
- The minimum prepatent period observed in immunosuppressed animals exposed to 200 L3 was 90.7 days.
- Microfilaraemia levels were similar in both immunosuppressed and control groups up to 180 days.
- Significantly higher adult worm recovery was achieved in the immunosuppressed Mastomys coucha group.
Conclusions:
- Immunosuppression of Mastomys coucha with cortisone enhances the recovery of adult Brugia malayi worms.
- This modified model offers a significant advantage for obtaining larger worm harvests, facilitating filariasis research.