Comparative methods of infecting mice with Schistosoma mekongi.

Experiments were carried out to investigate the most suitable cercarial concentration and method of exposure for the experimental mice infected with cercariae of Schistosoma mekongi. Swiss albino mice of 2 months old were exposed individually by three methods exposure : abdominal skin exposure, tail immersion and subcutaneous injection. Cercarial concentrations of 10 to 20 cercariae per mouse were used for each method of exposure. In general, it was observed that both the infection rate and total worm recovery rose with an increase in cercarial concentration. The highest percentage infection rate and total worm recovery was found in mice infected with 20 cercariae per mouse by the abdominal skin exposure method.