Effect of Experimental Infection with Schistosoma japonicum on the Pregnancy of Mice / 中国寄生虫学与寄生虫病杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To understand the effect of Schistosoma infection on the gestation in mice.\ Methods Female mice infected with Schistosoma japonicum cercariae, and mated with male mice (uninfected) at 40 d and 100 d post\|infection, the changes during pregnant period and the growth of offspring were observed until birth. The serum level of estradiol and progesterone of the infected mice was measured by RIA at oestrus.\ Results The level of estradiol and progesterone, and the pregnant rate were much lower in schistosome infected group than that of the control. The rate of abortion, the mortality of pregnant mice and the death rate due to abortion of infected mice increased significantly. The mortality increased with the time of merging ♀ and ♂mice in one cage prolonged. The body weight and length of the offspring in both infected and control groups were found no significant difference.\ Conclusion The results revealed that schistosome infection may suppress estradiol and progesterone secretion, decrease the rate of pregnancy, and that it may also increase the complications and mortality during the gestation periods.