The development of Hymenolepis diminuta in primary and secondary infections in mice

Extract

Over 90% of Hymenolepis diminuta cysts administered by stomach tube become established in CFLP, and Porton strains of mice. The rate of growth of single worm infections in terms of dry weight and length was determined.The rate of growth of H. diminuta in mice is slower than in rats even in worms only a few mm long.In most mice growth ceases abruptly on day 10±1 day when the worm is 4–30 cm long, destrobilation usually occurs leaving a scolex and neck often 0·5–2 mm in length.Destrobilated worms can survive for at least 47 days but little if any regrowth occurs unless the worms are surgically transplanted into rats or previously uninfected mice. Normal growth appears to be resumed within hours in both recipient hosts.The cause of destrobilation is probably not physiological; position of establishment and forward migration during growth of the worm in mice is similar to that in a rat. Destrobilation occurs well before the worm fills the small intestine lengthwise.Strong evidence of an immunological response being involved is given by the fate of a secondary infection given 22 and 28 days after the primary. Lower % recoveries were recorded in secondary infections killed 6–9 days later, and the worms were severely stunted.The various lines of evidence are discussed and it is concluded no reasonable doubt exists that H. diminuta is rejected by CFLP and Porton mice as a result of an immunological response.