OBSERVATIONS ON EXPERIMENTAL INFECTIONS WITH ECHINOCOCCUS IN RODENTS

Abstract

Experimental infections in rodents with Echinococcus multilo-cularis sibiricensis, Echinococcus granulosus canadensis, and Echinococcus granulosus (Lebanon origin) both by ingestion of oncho-spheres and by parenteral injection are recorded. The microscopic anatomy of the larval parasite and of the host reaction are discussed and illustrated in detail. Voles and cotton rats display little resistance to the development of the cyst of E. m. sibiricensis and ultimately destroy the host, while collared lemmings and golden hamsters overcome the cyst and destroy it. Muskrats and certain white mice are intermediate in their effects. In all cases, however, some degree of degeneration of the parasite into the alveolar form is shown. White rats, guinea pigs, and rabbits could not be infected with this parasite. E. g. canadensis was developing in the lung of one AKR strain mouse while in the chinchilla the parasite commenced to develop in the lung but was overcome at an early stage. No development took place in the other species of hosts. E. granulosus (Lebanon) appeared to be developing successfully in some cotton rats and white mice fed on onchospheres.