Parasite survey in mouse and rat colonies of Brazilian laboratory animal houses kept under differents sanitary barrier conditions

Abstract

A parasitological study was undertaken to determine the health status of 15 mouse and 10 rat colonies bred in 18 Brazilian laboratory animal houses maintained under different sanitary barrier conditions which supply animals for teaching, research purposes and manufacture of biological products for medical or veterinary use. Parasitological methods were used for diagnosis of mites, lices, helminthes and protozoan parasites. A questionnaire was answered by institutions with the intention to obtain information about the existence of barriers against infections and of regular sanitary monitoring program of their colonies. The questionnaire data show that the majority of the animal houses investigated do not possess an efficient sanitary barrier system able to keep animals under controlled health sanitary conditions. Ecto and endoparasite infections are widespread in the colonies and multiple infections were common in animals from most facilities investigated. The prevalences of parasites detected among the mouse and rat colonies of the laboratory animal houses investigated were: Myocoptes musculinus (46.6%), Myobia musculi (26.6%), Radfordia ensifera (13.3%), Syphacia obvelata (86.6%), Aspiculuris tetraptera (60.0%), Hymenolepis nana (53.3%), Spironucleus muris (80.0%), Tritrichomonas muris (80.0%), Giardia muris (66.0%), Entamoeba muris (20.0%), Eimeria sp. (13.3%), Hexamastix muris (26.6%), Poliplax spinulosa (30.0%), Poliplax serrata (10.0%), Radfordia ensifera (30.0%), Syphacia muris (80.0%), Hymenolepis nana (40.0%), Trichosomoides crassicauda (55.5%), Spironucleus muris (90.0%), Tritrichomonas muris (80.0%), Giardia muris (60.0%), Entamoeba muris (80.0%), Eimeria sp. (60.0%) and Hexamastix muris (60.0%).

Monitoramento sanitário de colônia de camundongos BALB/c mantidos em biotério convencional

“…e 50% para Aspiculuris tetraptera (Bressan et al, 1997). Outro estudo realizado em dezoito biotérios brasileiros com diferentes padrões sanitários demonstrou prevalência de infecção de 86.6% pela Syphacia obvelata e 60.0% pelo Aspiculuris tetraptera, entre outros parasitas (Gilioli et al, 2000). O presente trabalho mostrou 30% de animais infectados por oxiurídeos.…”

Faecal examination and PCR to detect Strongyloides venezuelensis in experimentally infected Lewis rats

“…Pinto et al (2001) described S. muris as a nematode parasite of rats and Gilioli et al (2000) observed a prevalence of 80% of this parasite in a study performed to evaluate sanitary conditions within Brazilian animal facilities. Despite these additional bands, the 340 bp band specific for S. venezuelensis DNA was undoubtedly present.…”

Sanitary profile in mice and rat colonies in laboratory animal houses in Minas Gerais: I - Endo and ectoparasites

“…Gilioli et al (1996Gilioli et al ( , 2000 performed a parasitological survey as well as an investigation of the antibodies involved with murine infections caused by viruses and bacteria in 18 animal houses of Brazilian institutions. The authors reported that only one institution was able to provide SPF animals.…”