Brugia malayi infection in ferrets - A small mammal model of lymphatic filariasis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The lack of effective short-course therapies for treatment of the adult stage of filarial worms is a major limitation in the global effort to eliminate lymphatic filariasis. Studies using current small mammal models of lymphatic filariasis are limited by difficulties in quantifying adult worm numbers and in assessing lymphatic anatomy and function.

Methodology/principal findings

Here, we re-established Brugia malayi infection of ferrets as a model for lymphatic filariasis and demonstrated parasitological, immunological, and histological parallels with human infection. Subcutaneous injection of L3 larvae into a hind-footpad resulted in a mean of 18 adult worms recovered 16 weeks post-infection, primarily from the draining inguinal and femoral lymphatics of the inje

SUBMITTER: Jackson-Thompson BM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5895066 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature