The open-field behaviour of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis

Abstract

The behaviour of mice exposed to graded doses of Trichinella spiralis larvae was monitored in an open-field situation. Ambulatory and exploratory activity declined significantly as the infections progressed, whereas the time spent inactive increased concomitantly. The advent of these behavioural changes coincided with the expected release of larvae by the adult worms and showed no clear signs of abating as late as 90 days post-inoculation. The levels of activity were negatively correlated with the inoculating dose. Such behavioural changes may render the host more vulnerable to predation and thus enhance parasite transmission.

Influence of mouse strain, infective dose and larval burden in the brain on activity in Toxocara-infected mice

“…In contrast, the effect of infection on NIH mice, which carry lower burdens of larvae in their brain, is to increase certain activities and short bouts of these activities, which is indicative of hyperactivity (although it should be noted that these effects are not always apparent at higher dose levels). Both types of effects could have implications for parasite transmission as outlined by Rau (1983) and Hay et al (1986).…”

Changes in behavioural and physiological parameters associated with Taenia pisiformis infection in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) that may improve early detection of sick rabbits

“…been observed that larger loads of T. pisiformis reduce escape success from predators in free living hares (Alzaga et al, 2007). Other parasitic infections known to modify hosts' behaviour are Trichinella spiralis (Rau, 1983) and Toxoplasma gondii (Webster, 1994).…”

Schistosome infection in deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus):impacts on host physiology, behavior and energetics

“…Reductions in daily activity levels are often seen in parasitized animals (e.g. Poirier et al, 1995;Rau, 1983b). Behavioral activity of deer mice (here, voluntary wheel running) is predicted to decrease in parasitized animals.…”

“…For example, parasitism can cause liver and intestinal damage, anemia and increased thermal conductance (Booth et al, 1993;Holmes and Zohar, 1990;Meagher, 1998;Schall et al, 1982;Tocque, 1993;Wiger, 1977). Parasitism can also lead to changes in the energetics and performance of animals, including reduced feeding and activity, impaired anti-predator and competitive behavior, and altered metabolic rates (Arneberg et al, 1996;Booth et al, 1993;Cunningham et al, 1994;Freeland, 1981;Poirier et al, 1995;Rau, 1983a;Rau, 1983b;Rau and Putter, 1984;Schall et al, 1982;Symons, 1985). Finally, parasitized animals may show shifts in organ size and body tissue composition (Kristan, 2002;Kristan and Hammond, 2000;Kristan and Hammond, 2001;Tocque, 1993).…”