An improved experimental model of cystic hydatid disease in liver resembling natural infection route with stable growing dynamics and immune reaction

Abstract

Cystic echinococcosis is an endemic parasitic infection in Xinjiang, China and is causing serious economic burdens and public health concerns. An experimental murine model in vivo for hepatic cystic echinococcosis was established in C57B/6 mice by injection with human protoscolices via the portal vein of three different concentrations. Mice were followed up 10 months by ultrasound, gross anatomy, pathological and immunological examinations. The protoscolice migration in portal vein, hydatid cyst growth, host immune reaction and hepatic histopathology were examed periodicly. The infection rate of the mice in the high, medium, and low concentration groups were 90%, 100%, and 63.6%, respectively. The protoscolices migrate in the portal vein with blood flow, settle in the liver and develop into orthotopic hepatic hydatid cysts, resembling the natural infection route and course. This study established an improved experimental model of low biohazard risk but stable growing dynamics and immune reaction. It is especially useful for new anti-parasite medication trials agains hydatid disease.\n\nSummary statementAn experimental murine model of cystic echinococcosis was set up. This orthotopic model resembles primary infection route and natural infectious course with low biohazard risk and high efficiency.