Behavioral changes in mice infected withtoxocara canis

The Consequences of Parasitic Infection for the Behavior of the Mammalian Host

“…Following infection with either T. canis (28)(29)(30) or S. mansoni (34), changes in motor activity have been observed. Nonetheless, we should be cautious in adopting a simplistic explanation of a causal relationship between general malaise, as reflected in motor behavior, and observed changes in behavior.…”

“…canis may alter a broad spectrum of behavior in the mouse, including reactivity to taste (19) and exploration of the environment (18,(28)(29)(30). Altered patterns of learning performance in mice (18) and rats (31) also have been seen following infection with T. canis.…”

“…However, the results also indicated the complexity of the interaction(s) between the parasite and its host. Thus, factors such as the specific "dose" (28), the time of measurement since infection (32), exposure to other toxins (18)(19)(20), or the pattern of repeated infections (4) all may alter the nature and extent of changes in the observed behavior of the organism.…”

Alterações comportamentais em Rattus norvegicus experimentalmente infectados por Toxocara cati ou T. canis

“…No entanto, antes de chegarem ao SNC, as larvas passam pela musculatura do hospedeiro causando decréscimo na força muscular Alterações comportamentais em roedores têm sido habitualmente estudadas com a utilização de labirinto em cruz elevado, arena ou gaiola para movimentação em campo aberto (Burright et al 1982;Chieffi et al, 2010;Dolinsk et al, 1981;Martinez et al, 2005;Nasello et al, 1998;Pellow et al,1985;Silva et al, 1997;Walf e Frye, 2007).…”

“…alterações em seu comportamento exploratório e desempenho de aprendizagem (Burright et al, 1982;Dolinsk et al, 1981;Donovick e Burright, 1987;Hay et al, 1986).…”