Laboratory Infection of the Agouti, Dasyprocta aguti, with Schistosoma mansoni

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Abstract
Summary and Conclusions All of the agouties exposed to the cercariae of S. mansoni became infected, with eggs demonstrable in the feces 65–72 days after exposure. The majority of worms were located in intrahepatic portal veins. Adult worms were also found in the mesenteric veins but very few were close to the intestinal wall, possibly accounting for the scant, irregular passage of eggs in the feces. The agouti, which occurs in many areas of tropical America where S. mansoni is endemic, supports the sexual cycle of this parasite and therefore might enter into the epidemiology of this disease. The following conclusions may be drawn: 1. The agouti is suceptible to schistosomiasis mansoni. 2. The agouti is suitable for laboratory studies with S. mansoni which do not require that eggs be passed in the feces.