Modifications of the MIF and MF techniques for detecting and preserving intestinal protozoa

Images

Encephalitozoonosis (nosematosis) and toxoplasmosis

Images

Some common parasites of small laboratory animals

Some of the more common ectoparasites and endoparasites of small laboratory animals (mouse, rat, guinea-pig, rabbit, hamster, chinchilla and opossum) are reviewed. Guidance is given on identification and control.

Nosematosis as an accompanying infection of plasmacytoma ascites in Syrian golden hamsters

A microsporidial infection of a transplantable plasmacytoma ascites in hamsters is reported. Intracellular parasites in tumor ascites smears, in monolayer cultures and in infected mice, rats and guinea pigs were identified as <i>Nosema cuniculi. </i>This is the first time that this organism has been described in tumors of hamsters. The microscopic and taxonomic characteristics for identification have been described. A method of identification by means of cell culture has been devised in view of a possible human pathogenicity for these protozoa.

Detection of latent murine nosematosis and growth of Nosema cuniculi in cell cultures

Administration of hydrocortisone to mice caused activation of latent nosematosis in at least 25% of the animals. The sporozoan parasite Nosema cuniculi could be demonstrated in the tissues of the internal organs and circulating blood by direct microscopic examination. Growth and multiplication of the parasite could be achieved in mouse embryo cell cultures, where the parasite infected and destroyed only about 2% of the cells, thus establishing a state of persistently infected cell culture. The parasite grown in cell culture retained its mouse pathogenicity.