The pathology associated with single and quadruple infections of hamsters with Dipetalonema viteae

Two groups of five hamsters were each infected subcutaneously with infective larvae of Dipetalonema viteae; one group received single infections, and the second group received quadruple infections. A third group of five hamsters served as controls. Hamsters with primary and quadruple infections had cellular infiltrates in the liver and glomerular basement membrane thickening; these lesions were more extensive in the multiple than single infections. Hyperinfected hamsters also developed subcutaneous nodules. By histologic examination, it was seen that nodules were encapsulated abscesses which had a central, necrotic core, and were confined by a fibrous connective tissue capsule. The central portion of some nodules contained nondegenerated worms. The same area of other nodules contained dead worms, while still other nodules contained calcified worms or necrotic and calcified debris.