biostudies-literatureJackson-Thompson BMBill and Melinda Gates Foundatione0006334https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC5895066biostudies-literatureUnknown12(3)<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>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 injePLoS neglected tropical diseasesBrugia malayi infection in ferrets - A small mammal model of lymphatic filariasis.PMC5895066OPP1084235Kim SYMorris CPJaiswal SMitre EScott JRJackson-Thompson BMJones SRDardzinski BJLaurie KFite JJHoy ARfalseBrugia malayi infection in ferrets - A small mammal model of lymphatic filariasis.<h4>Background</h4>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.<h4>Methodology/principal findings</h4>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 inje2018-01-01T00:00:00Z2018 Mar2025-04-04T11:51:42.459Z2019-03-26T23:36:04ZS-EPMC58950662960157210.1371/journal.pntd.0006334