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Longevity of Zygocotyle lunata in Balb/c mice and long-term survival of digeneans in vertebrate hosts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 January 2011

B. Fried*
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA18042, USA
K.E. LeSage
Affiliation:
Department of Biology, Lafayette College, Easton, PA18042, USA

Abstract

This study used Balb/c mice to examine the longevity of Zygocotyle lunata in a murine host. Of 11 mice, each exposed to 20 Z. lunata cysts, six were infected with a total of 12 worms from 11 to 24 weeks postinfection (PI). Live worms recovered at 24 weeks PI had a mean body area of about 25 mm2. These worms produced viable eggs with well-developed miracidia following embryonation in artificial spring water for 2 weeks at 28°C. The Balb/c mouse is a useful model to study longevity of this paramphistomid trematode for at least 6 months PI. An additional aspect of this article is a review of the pertinent literature published from 1937 to 2007 on ageing and longevity of digeneans.

Type
Short Communication
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2011

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