Echinococcus granulosus

Abstract

We describe a method for obtaining improved secondary infections of Echinococcus granulosus that involves culturing protoscolex larvae in vitro prior to inoculation into mice. This approach provides a far superior method for obtaining secondary echinococcosis infections in mice compared with the traditional method of direct inoculation of protoscoleces (PSC) where the majority of parasites are killed by the host. We obtained a high rate of recovery both in terms of secondary cyst numbers and their viability. After 50 weeks post-infection (p.i.), brood capsules were formed and the first PSC developed in each of the capsules. After 56 weeks p.i., the fastest developing brood capsule contained four PSC. The approach will prove valuable for investigating parasite development and the host-parasite interaction in secondary echinococcosis. Show more