ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the degeneration of Brugia malayi in Meriones unguiculatus model. Methods Microfilaria of Brugia malayi derived from Meriones unguiculatus was used to infect Anopheles sinensis . Infective stage larvae (L 3) from mosquito vector were collected and inoculated into abdomen of Meriones unguiculatus. Successive 33 generations of the parasite in the rodent model have been observed. Results Since 1974 when the animal model was established, the parasite has lasted for 33 generations, the positive rate of Meriones unguiculatus with microfilaria gradually reduced from 80% of the 28th generation to 16% of the 32nd generation and finally to 0 at the 33rd generation. Conclusion It became difficult for the larvae of Brugia malayi to develop and/or reproduce in the animal model after multiple inoculations for generations.