Experimental infection of nude mice as a model for Sarcocystisneurona-associated encephalitis

Abstract

The development of a rodent model for the study of Sarcocystisneurona encephalitis is described. Animal models have been developed for a number of protozoal parasites; however, no such model exists for S. neurona. The approach used in this study is similar to that employed for other closely related protozoal parasites such as Neosporacaninum and Toxoplasmagondii. A time course of infection was examined, and histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and parasite isolation were used to examine the pathogenesis and follow the infection from 1 to 6 weeks postinoculation. S.neurona was associated with the development of encephalitis in these mice, and the immune status determined the susceptibility of these mice to S. neurona-associated encephalitis.