Pathological changes in kidneys, livers and spleens of Brugia pahangi-infected jirds (Meriones unguiculatus)

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Abstract
The major organs, other than lymphatics, of jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) with prepatent and chronic patent infections of Brugia pahangi were studied by standard histological, electron microscopical and fluorescent antibody techniques. Changes observed and not previously described in detail or in large numbers of animals are reported. Multifocal non-suppurative interstitial nephritis was observed in 4% of animals with patent infections of 163 days duration and in 69% of animals with patent infections of 274 days duration. Glomerular changes were not observed in kidneys of any animals infected with B. pahangi. The occurrence of large granulomata composed of lymphocytes, macrophages, eosinophils and giant cells in the liver and smaller granulomata in the spleen correlated with patency of infections but microfilariae or worm antigens were not observed in these areas. Amyloid deposits were demonstrated in the spleens of 4% of animals with patent infections of 163 days duration and in 38% of animals with patent infections of 274 days duration but were not seen in uninfected animals of the same age or animals receiving only challenge inoculations of 28 days duration.