Echinococcus multilocularis in the cotton rat. Asexual proliferation following the intraperitoneal inoculation of graded doses of protoscolices

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Abstract
One hundred and nine cotton rats (Sigmodon hispidus) were each inoculated intraperitoneally with one of seven graded doses of Echinococcus multilocularis protoscolices. As the size of the inoculating dose increased, corresponding gains in the mean total parasitic cyst weight, measured 60 days later, became progressively less pronounced until a plateau was reached which even massive inoculations failed to elevate significantly. Mean total cyst weights attained within 60 days of inoculation varied seasonally, probably reflecting changes in the susceptibility of the intermediate host. Thus, cotton rats incubating infections during September, October, or November bore significantly lighter parasite burdens than rats incubating infections between December and August. Furthermore, at least 10 times the number of protoscolices were required to consistently establish infections during the three autumn months than at any other time of the year. Corresponding variations in the total cyst weight could be induced experimentally by manipulating the host's photoperiod.

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