Increased Susceptibility to Infection with Brugia pahangi in Aged Female Jirds (Meriones unguiculatus)

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Abstract
Female Mongolian jirds M. unguiculatus from 5 age groups of 2, 12, 16, 21 and 28 mo., were infected with B. pahangi. Infections were followed for 125 days by weekly bleedings beginning 55 days postinoculation. Jirds were then killed and adult parasites recovered. Results showed a significant shortening of the prepatent period in the 12, 21 and 28 mo. old groups. The proportion of gravid female worms did not vary significantly among the 5 groups. Similarly, the ratio of females to male worms showed little variation from group to group. Microfilaremia data for the 5 infection groups show an age-associated increase in numbers of circulating microfilariae. Some individuals in the 28 mo. group demonstrated 1500 to 3000 microfilariae/0.25 ml peripheral blood, a level that was not approached by young females.

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