Effects of a protein-free diet on worm recovery, growth, and distribution of Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice

Abstract

The effects of a protein-free diet on the host–parasite relationship of Echinostoma caproni in ICR mice were studied. The experimental diet was a customized protein-free diet (PFD) in pellet form containing 0% protein. The control diet consisted of a standard laboratory diet containing 23% casein as a source of protein. A total of 24 mice were each infected with 15 metacercarial cysts of E. caproni. Twelve mice were placed on the experimental diet (experimentals) and the remaining mice (controls) were placed on the control diet. Experimental and control mice were necropsied at 2, 3, and 4 weeks postinfection (p.i.). The weight of mice on the PFD was markedly lower than that of mice on the control diet. The length and circumference of the small intestine of infected mice on the PFD were significantly lower than those of the controls at 3 weeks p.i. (Student's t-test; P < 0.05). Worm recoveries from mice on the PFD were significantly lower than those of the controls at 3 weeks p.i. There was a significant decline in worm body area in worms from the mice on the PFD compared with those on the control diet at 2, 3, and 4 weeks p.i. Worm dry weights from mice on the PFD were significantly lower than those on the control diet at 2 weeks p.i. Worms from hosts on the PFD were located more posteriad in the gut than those recovered from mice on the control diet. The findings suggest that the PFD contributes to growth retardation of E. caproni in ICR mice.