Dye Labeling of Live Nippostrongylus brasiliensis Larvae for Visualization in Host Tissue

Abstract

Visualization of the interaction between parasitic nematodes and their host enables a better understanding of the development of the nematode during the infectious stages of its life cycle and of the effects of host response on nematode integrity in tissues. Appropriate live imaging of these nematode/host interactions, to date has been hindered by the lack of appropriate molecular tools or efficient labeling agents. Here, we present techniques for the live labeling of the nematode parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (N. brasiliensis) that allows visualization of the parasite in the mouse host for up to 24 h. The external sheath can be labeled with CFSE allowing infective larvae to be identified and followed until the stage of exsheathment. The internal labeling of infective parasites can be performed by ingestion of NY microspheres. The worms can continue to be identified for up to 24 h following exsheathment. This should be applicable to other parasitic nematodes.