Establishment of an Animal Model Scheme of -Infected .

Studying parasitic nematodes, which generate a massive hazard to animal health, is more difficult than studying free-living nematodes as appropriate animal models are essential, and the relationship between parasites and hosts is extremely complex. is an intestinal nematode parasite that mainly infects dogs, humans and other primates. Currently, worms needed for research mainly rely on their natural host, the dog. This study explored a method of using as a model for The immunosuppressed were infected with . subcutaneously, and post-parasitic, first-stage larvae (PP L1) were detected in the faeces, with more larvae in female gerbils. In addition, parasitic females (PFs), third-stage larvae (L3s) and rhabditiform larvae were found primarily in the small intestines and lungs of infected gerbils. The PFs and auto-infective third-stage larvae (aL3s) obtained from are morphologically identical to those obtained from beagles and . Moreover, the infection of caused changes to biochemical indicators in the serum and in the physiology of . The results demonstrated that can be infected by , and this model provides a great tool for exploring the biological processes of this parasite and its interaction with the host.