Pathological Changes and Immunity Associated With Experimental Eimeria Vermiformis Infections in the Mouse (Mus Musculus)
Blagburn, Byron Lynn
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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/71293
Description
Title
Pathological Changes and Immunity Associated With Experimental Eimeria Vermiformis Infections in the Mouse (Mus Musculus)
Author(s)
Blagburn, Byron Lynn
Issue Date
1982
Department of Study
Veterinary Medical Science
Discipline
Veterinary Medical Science
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
Ph.D.
Degree Level
Dissertation
Keyword(s)
Biology, Veterinary Science
Abstract
Pathological changes and immunity were studied in outbred Swiss mice inoculated with 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 or 40,000 oocysts. Oocyst output, food and water consumption, urine production and weight changes were observed daily for 25 days after inoculation (DAI). Histopathologic changes were studied in the small intestine, cecum, colon, mesenteric lymph nodes, liver, spleen and kidney. Surface changes in ileum were studied with the scanning electron microscope (SEM). Immunity to E. vermiformis was determined 30 and 105 DAI. Cross-immunity to E. ferrisi was also studied. An additional meront generation, discovered during the study, was described.
Weight losses were most severe 8 to 10 DAI. Mortality was dose dependent; most deaths were observed in the intermediate dose groups. Deaths correlated with peak oocyst output (8 to 10 DAI). Signs included anorexia, decreased water consumption and urine production, ataxia, dyspnea, tachypnea and rough hair coat. Oocyst return did not correlate directly with inoculating doses; all groups passed similar numbers of oocysts.
Histopathologic lesions consisted of an early neutrophil and mononuclear cell infiltration. Later, villus atrophy and crypt hyperplasia caused a decrease in the villus-crypt ratio. During the acute phase (8 to 10 DAI), villus tips were eroded and parasites and necrotic debris filled the cryptal and intestinal lumina. Neither parasites nor significant pathologic changes were observed in extraintestinal organs. SEM observations included shortening and flattening of the villi early in the infection. Later, villi were swollen, fused and eroded at their tips. Increased thickness of the lamina propria, caused by increased cellularity or by distention of the central lacteal, was observed. Vacuolar changes were observed in the epithelial cells. Meronts, gamonts and oocysts were present on villus and fractured surfaces.
Mice were totally immune to reinfection with E. vermiformis 30 and 105 DAI. Cross immunity was not observed between E. vermiformis and E. ferrisi.
First generation meronts matured 40 hours after inoculation. Meronts were 20.8 x 15.6 (mu)m and contained about 22 merozoites that were 7.6 x 1.3 (mu)m. Merozoites had centrally located nuclei and appeared to bud in a whorled pattern from a central residuum. Immature meronts had a persistent refractile body.
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