Abstract
As a putative model of Fasciola gigantica infection, detailed data in Kunming (KM) mice infected with F. gigantica are lacking. In this study, KM mice were orally infected with 15 metacercaria for 8 weeks. Macroscopic and microscopic changes, serum biochemistry, cytokine responses, and changes in parasite-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody levels were monitored at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 8 weeks post-infection (wpi), respectively. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) increased after infection, while that of albumin (ALB) decreased, which was positively correlated with the degree of liver damage. Between 5 and 7 wpi, the mice showed symptoms of anemia and weight loss, possibly caused by the decrease of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Moreover, the changing tendencies of the levels of globulin (GLB) and parasite-specific IgG antibody were similar, suggesting a potential correlation between GLB production and adaptive immune response in the host. Coordinated variations in interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) indicated a mixed T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 cellular immune response. Furthermore, the serum IgG antibody increased after infection and peaked at 5 wpi, and it was positively correlated with the average parasite burdens. The worms collected from mice were approximately 1 cm in length at 8 wpi, their digestive and reproductive systems were well developed, and no eggs were found in the uterus. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing detailed histological, biochemical, and immunological indices in KM mice infected with F. gigantica, which provides basic information on KM mice against infection with F. gigantica.
Highlights
Fasciolosis is a globally distributed foodborne, zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica (Ahasan et al, 2016; Cabada et al, 2016)
We investigated the dynamic changes in the pathology, serum biochemistry, and T helper 1 (Th1)/Th2 immune responses in KM mice infected with F. gigantica metacercaria during the early infection stage
Mice infected with five metacercariae were healthy; only one mouse died after 52 days
Summary
Fasciolosis is a globally distributed foodborne, zoonotic parasitic disease caused by Fasciola hepatica or Fasciola gigantica (Ahasan et al, 2016; Cabada et al, 2016). The life cycle of Fasciola includes the following stages: egg, miracidium, sporocyst, redia, cercaria, metacercaria, excystic juvenile, and adult parasite (Saba and Korkmaz, 2005; Mcmanus and Dalton, 2007). The egg, miracidium, sporocyst, redia, cercaria, and metacercaria stages occur in microorganisms that are usually detected with a microscope. The larval stage requires a molluscan intermediate host such as freshwater snails, while in the adult stage, the parasite lives on the terminal mammalian host (Roy and Reddy, 1969; Halton and Johnston, 1983). Ruminants, including sheep and cattle, are the natural hosts of Fasciola. These animal models are not suitable for research purposes due to the high cost of maintenance (experimental site, food, and shelter) and the complexity of the experimental protocols, which can seriously hinder experimentation in this field
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