Murine Hepatosplenic Schistosomiasis japonica *

Abstract

Summary Mice infected with an average of less than three pairs of Schistosoma japonicum worms developed signs that closely resemble clinical Schistosomiasis japonica. By 8 weeks after exposure to 14 cercariae, the animals had esophageal varices, a 70% increase in liver weight, a 100% increase in portal pressure, and a 200% increase in spleen weight. The livers contained numerous schistosome eggs (frequently in aggregates of as many as 10) surrounded by severe granulomatous reactions. Total serum protein concentration rose 20%, albumin concentration fell 70%, beta globulin concentration rose 65% and gamma globulin concentration rose 200%. Murine Schistosomiasis japonica appears to be a more severe disease than murine schistosomiasis mansoni.