The Effect of Body Temperature on the Development of Trichinella spiralis in Bats

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Abstract
Bats of the species Myotis lucifugus, Myotis keenii, and Pipistrellus subflavus were infected with Trichinella spiralis and held at 5[degree], 23[degree], 26[degree], and 34[degree]C. At intervals after infection intestines of the bats were examined and the numbers and stage of development of the parasite determined. Two bats were held at 34[degree]C for 30 days and examined by artificial digestion to determine development of muscle larvae. T. spiralis regularly developed to the adult stage in the intestine of bats held at 34[degree] and 30[degree]C but only 2 adults were found in 58 infected bats held at 5[degree], 23[degree], and 26[degree]C. Two muscle larvae were recovered in 1 of 2 bats infected with 500 larvae and held at 34[degree]C for 30 days. Lowered host temperature, for the periods of time involved in these experiments (2-8 days ) appear to inhibit the development of the parasite without resulting in their elimination from the host. The limited development of the parasite in these hosts suggests an abnormal host-parasite relationship.

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