Experimental infection parameters in Galea spixii (Rodentia: Caviidae) with Leishmania infantum chagasi

In order to better understand the epidemiological transmission network of leishmaniasis, an endemic disease in Northeast Brazil, we investigated the susceptibility of Spix yellow-toothed cavies (Galea spixii) to the Leishmania infantum chagasi parasite. Nine cavies were experimentally infected, separated into three groups and monitored at 30, 90 and 180 days, respectively. Amastigotes were identified in the spleen slides of two cavies killed 180 days after infection. Antibodies against the L. i. chagasi were identified in one of the cavies. This demonstrates that G. spixii is in fact capable of maintaining a stable infection by L. i. chagasi without alterations in biochemical and hematological parameters of the host and without perceivable micro and macroscopic lesions.

Animal Host of Schistosoma japonicum and Transmission of Schistosomiasis in Poyang Lake Region / 热带医学杂志

The article clarified, according to the recent research results which have been done in Poyang Lake region of Jiangxi province, bovines are the most important animal hosts of Schistosoma japonicum and infected bovines are main infectious sources of Schistosomiasis in Poyang Lake region. Spring (March to June) is the " cross transmission stage" between definitive host and intermediate host, that is, spring is not only the susceptible season of infection for livestock and human, but also is the susceptible season of infection for snails. In flood season (July to August), the transmission of Schistosomiasis between livestock and snails belong to " low level phase" . Autumn (September to Octber) is the second seasonal peak of cercariae and is the susceptible season of infection for livestock and human. Winter(November to Feburary in next year) is the non- susceptible season of infection. Most of the susceptible zones of infection for livestock, human and snails are the marshlands near the endemic villages.