Studies on the pathogenesis of Trichostrongylus colubriformis in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).
Sixty Mongolian gerbils were infected with 1500 T. colubriformis larvae. During the experiment, the animals were weighed regularly and faeces were examined for parasite eggs. Groups of 5 gerbils were necropsied at intervals throughout the experiment (60 days) and worm burdens, serum protein concentrations and packed cell volumes were ascertained. It was found that gerbils infected with T. colubriformis showed inappetence and loss in body weight. A modest hypoalbuminaemia also developed but there was no evidence of alterations in packed cell volumes in the infected animals. The results indicated that the pathogenic effects of T. colubriformis in the gerbil were similar to those observed in sheep, one of the natural hosts for this parasite. The conclusion was drawn that the Mongolian gerbil is a suitable laboratory host for T. colubriformis and is superior to other small animal hosts previously described.
Department of Veterinary Physiology, University of Glasgow Veterinary School, Scotland, U.K.
J M
JM
Maclean
D
D
Lewis
P H
PH
Holmes
D000818:Animals; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005243:Feces / Q000469:parasitology; D005260:Female; D005849:Gerbillinae; D006400:Hematocrit; D010270:Parasite Egg Count; D014253:Trichostrongylosis / Q000097:blood; D014254:Trichostrongylus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000472:pathogenicity*
D001798:Blood Proteins