Growth and development of Gnathostoma spinigerum early third-stage larvae in vitro.

Early third-stage larvae of Gnathostoma spinigerum were cultured in RPMI-1640 supplemented with 25mM NaHCO3,100 units/ml penicillin G, 100 microg/ml of streptomycin, 5 microg/ml of amphotericin B and 10% foetal calf serum at 37 degrees C under 5% CO2 in air for 60 days. After 3 days of cultivation, the larvae moulted. Body sizes increased from 0.49 +/- 0.09 x 0.07 +/- 0.01 mm in length and width to 4.08 +/- 0.48 x 0.32 +/- 0.04 mm after 60 days of cultivation. The maximum body length and width of these larvae were 4.94 mm and 0. 35 mm, respectively. The survival rate (67.5 %) of the worms was observed at the end of cultivation. The addition of foetal calf serum was found to be essential for growth and development.