Abstract
Due to the different parasitological patterns found between sexes in human populations and in different biological models during Schistosoma mansoni infection, we proposed to investigate such differences using Holochilus sciureus rodent, besides confirming whether this rodent is suitable for experimental infections. In this sense, males and females of H. sciureus were infected with 200 cercariae from a human strain of S. mansoni. The number of eggs per gram of feces (epg) and the worms were quantified, besides histopathological analysis. Thus, it was shown that females have fewer epg, as well as a longer prepatent period. On the other hand, males had a lower recovery rate of adult worms. The histopathological analysis did not show differences between the sexes. Thus, we suggest that infection in H. sciureus females provides a favorable environment for the development of adult worms, despite impairing the parasite fecundity. In addition, H. sciureus may be an excellent biological model for S. mansoni experimental infections.
Highlights
Schistosomiasis is a serious endemic parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma
Due to the different parasitological patterns found between sexes in human populations and in different biological models during Schistosoma mansoni infection, we proposed to investigate such differences using Holochilus sciureus rodent, besides confirming whether this rodent is suitable for experimental infections
One of the peculiarities presented in the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Brazil is the presence of wild rodents with semi-aquatic habits naturally parasitized by S. mansoni [6] [7]
Summary
Schistosomiasis is a serious endemic parasitic disease caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma. It is distributed in 78 countries around the world and affects 200 - 250 million people [1] [2] [3]. One of the peculiarities presented in the epidemiology of schistosomiasis in Brazil is the presence of wild rodents with semi-aquatic habits (mainly Holochilus sciureus and Nectomys squamipes) naturally parasitized by S. mansoni [6] [7]
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