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T. crassicauda eggs embedded in transitional epithelium (asterisks) in diabetic group. Mast cells in epithelium (left arrow). Magnification: × 200.
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Rats are widely used laboratory animals and have several parasites. One of these are helminths, known not only to cause serious
effects on the experimental results in healthy subjects, but also in subjects with heavy infections. One of the relatively
pathologic helminth is Trichosomoides crassicauda, which lives in the nodules of the urinary bladde...
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... Trichosomoides crassicauda is a non-pathogenic nematode whose predilection site is the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats [1]. The parasite has a direct life cycle which allows easy spread among animals within a colony as infection occurs through the ingestion of contaminated foods and water containing embryonated eggs expelled in the urine [2,3,4]. ...
... Histopathology reports showed that the parasite could appear free in the lumen of the bladder or within the urothelium where it causes catarrhal cystitis and epithelial hyperplasia in severe infections [4,7]. The association of the infection with urinary calculi and bladder tumours is not clear [4], although the parasite is known to cause eosinophilic granulomatous lesion [7,8], and increased mitotic index in the bladder epithelium making it more susceptible to carcinogens [1,4,5,9]. Thus, the infection can be a problem in urinary bladder carcinogenesis studies [10,11]. A subclinical infections of Trichosomoides crassicauda infections in rat colonies are capable of compromising the health of the animals when subjected to experimental stress, it is important that every case is recorded to ascertain the prevalence and distribution of this parasite. ...
Examination of histological slides of the urinary bladder from rats used in an experimental surgery revealed the presence of sections of the nematode, Trichosomoides crassicauda within the transitional epithelium. The parasite was surrounded by area of epithelial degeneration and necrosis, and area of mild to moderate epithelial hyperplasia. Inflammatory reactions were not remarkable as only a mild inflammatory process and edema in the submucosa which included eosinophils, mast cells and lymphocytes were observed in some of the slides. There was presence of embryonated eggs in female worms. This article reports the presence of this nematode parasite in laboratory rats used for research and recommends strict management and sanitary measures in laboratory animal houses. INTRODUCTION Trichosomoides crassicauda is a non-pathogenic nematode whose predilection site is the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats [1]. The parasite has a direct life cycle which allows easy spread among animals within a colony as infection occurs through the ingestion of contaminated foods and water containing embryonated eggs expelled in the urine [2,3,4]. The ingestion of such embryonated egg results in its hatching within the stomach into larvae which penetrate the stomach wall and migrate to the lungs, kidneys, ureters and urinary bladder through the blood stream [2,5,6]. Although, the larvae cannot penetrate the placental barrier during pregnancy, the infection is usually transmitted through the ingestion of feed or water contaminated with infected mother's urine to their offspring before weaning [5]. Histopathology reports showed that the parasite could appear free in the lumen of the bladder or within the urothelium where it causes catarrhal cystitis and epithelial hyperplasia in severe infections [4,7]. The association of the infection with urinary calculi and bladder tumours is not clear [4], although the parasite
... Trichosomoides crassicauda (T. crassicauda) is a nematode commonly localized in the UB of laboratory and wild rats (14,15,16,17). It was also detected in the kidneys, uterus, and lungs (17,18). ...
... crassicauda) is a nematode commonly localized in the UB of laboratory and wild rats (14,15,16,17). It was also detected in the kidneys, uterus, and lungs (17,18). The nematode eggs are released in the urine (the eggs remain viable for a long time at room temperature) and enter another host's digestive system by contaminated food (water and food products). ...
... The eggs continue to develop repeating the same cycle of events. The prepatent period including the time between infection and the production of eggs is 8-10 weeks (15,16,17,18). They can also be transmitted from the mother to the offspring before weaning (16). ...
Trichosomoides crassicauda (T. crassicauda) is a parasite commonly localized in the urinary bladder (UB) of laboratory and wild rats. The presence of these helminths can influence the prediction of pathological changes in the UB. Therefore, the purpose of this research was to make a comprehensive study of the features of the morphological changes in the UB wall of white laboratory rats as a result of T. crassicauda infestation. The study was performed on male rats using histological (Hematoxyline-Eosin and Alcian Blue staining) and immunohistochemical (Ki-67, Hsp70, Hsp90α, CD3 and CD20) methods. T. crassicauda was detected in both urine and UB samples. Morphological changes were observed as disruption in urothelial cell stratification and insignificant proliferative and immune responses in the UB. Increased heat shock protein levels were observed which may suggest a natural body’s resistance to this parasite.
... The nematode Trichosomoides crassicauda was firstly described by Bellingham in 1840 in the urinary bladder of rat [4]. It is known as a nonpathogenic nematode living in the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats [5]. In a survey to determine the endoparasite of Rattus norvegicus, T. crassicauda was the most prevalent helminth parasites among the collected rodents [6]. ...
... Also, the absence of egg in urine may be associated with age of rats as eggs are not usually present in the urine of rats until they are 8-12 weeks old [14]. Previously, in diabetic rats, T. crassicauda showed to induce hyperplastic response, inflammation, and papilloma in the bladder epithelium [5]. Also, in the bladder epithelium of infected rats the sections of female worms with embryonated eggs embedded in the epithelium were seen [15]. ...
... Furthermore, the cell's nucleus of the basal layer of the bladder epithelium multiplies, and an increase in cell size occurs [20]. During maturation of the worms, the urinary bladder is irritated, and the transitional epithelium degenerates [5]. In addition, the epithelium is stratified, and hyperplasia can appear [5]. ...
Introduction: Some postgraduate students reported the presence of a nematode infection, presumably, Trichosomoides crassicauda
in the urinary bladder of rats (Rattus norvegicus) from the animal house of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). We
prompted to explore the prevalence of this infection among the rats of animal houses belonging to medical and veterinary
research centers in Tehran. We also described the histopathological changes in the bladder tissue of the infected rats.
Methods: We collected 214 adult rats (R. norvegicus) from four animal houses including TUMS in Tehran. The urine of 112
animals was collected during 24 h and inspected microscopically for helminths eggs. Then, the rats were euthanized, sacrificed
and dissected; their bladders were removed and examined under a stereomicroscope for the presence of worms and
histopathological changes. Results: Out of 112 urine samples checked, 16 contained T. crassicauda eggs. Out of 214 rats, 114
showed infection urinary bladder with the nematode T. crassicauda. The histopathological changes in the urinary bladder
included hyperemia, edema, hyperplasia, and metaplasia. In the transitional epithelium, the features of gravid female
nematodes, with an egg-filled uterus were visible. Conclusion: Trichosomoides crassicauda is a prevalent infection in laboratory
rats of research centers in Tehran and its identification cannot be made merely based on urine examination of the rats.
... The nematode Trichosomoides crassicauda was firstly described by Bellingham in 1840 in the urinary bladder of rat [4]. It is known as a nonpathogenic nematode living in the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats [5]. In a survey to determine the endoparasite of Rattus norvegicus, T. crassicauda was the most prevalent helminth parasites among the collected rodents [6]. ...
... Also, the absence of egg in urine may be associated with age of rats as eggs are not usually present in the urine of rats until they are 8-12 weeks old [14]. Previously, in diabetic rats, T. crassicauda showed to induce hyperplastic response, inflammation, and papilloma in the bladder epithelium [5]. Also, in the bladder epithelium of infected rats the sections of female worms with embryonated eggs embedded in the epithelium were seen [15]. ...
... Furthermore, the cell's nucleus of the basal layer of the bladder epithelium multiplies, and an increase in cell size occurs [20]. During maturation of the worms, the urinary bladder is irritated, and the transitional epithelium degenerates [5]. In addition, the epithelium is stratified, and hyperplasia can appear [5]. ...
INTRODUCTION Experiments in different fields of biology and medical sciences depend on various laboratory animals. Rats are the second most utilized experimental animals in research studies worldwide, after laboratory mice [1]. Different lines of biomedical science such as organ transplantation, immunology, genetics, cancer research, pharmacology, physiology and neuroscience use rats as animal models [2]. Most of the experiments might be affected by the interaction between the animals and the pathogens including the parasites that commonly exist with no obvious clinical manifestations, rendering the obtained results unreliable [1, 3]. The nematode Trichosomoides crassicauda was firstly described by Bellingham in 1840 in the urinary bladder of rat [4]. It is known as a non-pathogenic nematode living in the urinary bladder of wild and laboratory rats [5]. In a survey to determine the endoparasite of Rattus norvegicus, T. crassicauda was the most prevalent helminth parasites among the collected rodents [6]. The male worm of this nematode resides in the uterus or vagina of the adult female [7], demonstrating a unique biological behavior among parasitic helminths. This nematode has a direct life cycle, and infection occurs through the ingestion of contaminated foods and water containing embryonated eggs expelled in the urine [7]. On ingestion, the larvae hatch in the stomach and migrate to the lungs through body cavities or the bloodstream. The larvae reach the kidneys via the bloodstream and reach the bladder by passing the ureters [7]. The nematodes may be found free in the lumen or in the mucosal tissue of the bladder, causing severe catarrhal cystitis in massive infections [8]. Urinary calculi and bladder tumors may be associated with T. crassicauda infection. The larvae cause eosinophilic granulomas [9] and the infections in the bladder may lead to the granulomatous lesion [10]. Some postgraduate students reported the presence of a nematode infection, presumably, T. crassicauda in the urinary bladder of the rats from the animal house of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). Regarding the potential adverse effect of this infection on the results of research studies, we prompted to explore the prevalence of infection among the rats from the animal houses of four research centers in Introduction: Some postgraduate students reported the presence of a nematode infection, presumably, Trichosomoides crassicauda in the urinary bladder of rats (Rattus norvegicus) from the animal house of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS). We prompted to explore the prevalence of this infection among the rats of animal houses belonging to medical and veterinary research centers in Tehran. We also described the histopathological changes in the bladder tissue of the infected rats. Methods: We collected 214 adult rats (R. norvegicus) from four animal houses including TUMS in Tehran. The urine of 112 animals was collected during 24 h and inspected microscopically for helminths eggs. Then, the rats were euthanized, sacrificed and dissected; their bladders were removed and examined under a stereomicroscope for the presence of worms and histopathological changes. Results: Out of 112 urine samples checked, 16 contained T. crassicauda eggs. Out of 214 rats, 114 showed infection urinary bladder with the nematode T. crassicauda. The histopathological changes in the urinary bladder included hyperemia, edema, hyperplasia, and metaplasia. In the transitional epithelium, the features of gravid female nematodes, with an egg-filled uterus were visible. Conclusion: Trichosomoides crassicauda is a prevalent infection in laboratory rats of research centers in Tehran and its identification cannot be made merely based on urine examination of the rats. J Med Microbiol Infect Dis, 2017, 5 (1-2): 31-34.
... showed that four of the ten diabetic rats had parasitic infections. This case, Trichosomoides crassicauda infected diabetic bladder was reported in our previous paper [19]. The present study which is associated with accumulation of mucosal mast and eosinophil cells in diabetic and parasitic rat bladders was performed as a continuation of the published paper. ...
It has been known that as a result of diabetes several diseases occur in organisms such as parasitic infection. This gives rise to inflammatory conditions associated with mast cells. For the purpose of observing mucosal cells in bladder tissue, streptozotocin diabetic rat bladders were examined with light and electron microscope. A microscopic study of serial sections revealed numerous mast cells in transitional epithelium and lamina propria of bladder mucosa. Mast cells seem to migrate from blood vessels through the transitional epithelium and the lamina propria. Mast cell population found in epithelial layer and lamina propria were observed to differ in characteristics as ultrastructural features. Intraepithelial mast cell cytoplasm were full of granules including both electron dense and lucent material however, mast cells in lamina propria with thin pseudopodia were observed in the process of degranulation. Eosinophil cells beside mast cells were observed in connective tissue of mucosa. These cells were full of electron dense granules in their cytoplasm. Cell interaction between eosinophil and macrophage was evident. Accumulation of mast and eosinophil cells in mucosa and also the cell and tissue interactions could be associated with diabetes and used as a criteria for the evaluation of parasitic (Trichosomoides crassicauda) bladder.
... Our microscopic observations showed that four of the ten diabetic rats had parasitic infections. This case, Trichosomoides crassicauda infected diabetic bladder was reported in our previous paper [19]. The present study which is associated with accumulation of mucosal mast and eosinophil cells in diabetic and parasitic rat bladders was performed as a continuation of the published paper. ...
It has been known that as a result of diabetes several diseases occur in organisms such as parasitic infection. This gives rise to inflammatory conditions associated with mast cells. For the purpose of observing mucosal cells in bladder tissue, streptozotocin diabetic rat bladders were examined with light and electron microscope. A microscopic study of serial sections revealed numerous mast cells in transitional epithelium and lamina propria of bladder mucosa. Mast cells seem to migrate from blood vessels through the transitional epithelium and the lamina propria. Mast cell population found in epithelial layer and lamina propria were observed to differ in characteristics as ultrastructural features. Intraepithelial mast cell cytoplasm were full of granules including both electron dense and lucent material however, mast cells in lamina propria with thin pseudopodia were observed in the process of degranulation. Eosinophil cells beside mast cells were observed in connective tissue of mucosa. These cells were full of electron dense granules in their cytoplasm. Cell interaction between eosinophil and macrophage was evident. Accumulation of mast and eosinophil cells in mucosa and also the cell and tissue interactions could be associated with diabetes and used as a criteria for the evaluation of parasitic (Trichosomoides crassicauda) bladder.
... Antonakopoulos et al (1991) reported that the bladder epithelium of T. crassicauda infected rats showed a diffuse, mild, flat hyperplasia, four to six cells thick. Ozkorkmaz (2011) showed that in diabetic rats that were infected with T. crassicauda the epithelium of the urinary bladder were stratified and cystitis, hyperplasia and epithelial papilloma and inflammation were seen. Hyperplasia and inflammation is in agreement with other research findings and urolithiasis was detected in 10% of the rats examined in this study. ...
Laboratory animals, including rats, play an important role in biomedical research and advances. The human care and management of these animals is an ongoing concern. Since, Trichosomoides infections in rat colonies can interfere with research protocols it is important to know rate of infection and pathology of the infection in the animals used in experimental studies. 275 rats were eviscerated and urinary bladders were collected. The numbers of collected nematodes from each of the urinary bladders were counted under a stereomicroscope and identified on the basis of morphological criteria. Tissue sections were collected and processed routinely for histopathological studies. Out of 275 urinary bladder of adult laboratory Wistar rats examined, 156 (56.72%) were infected with the nematode, Trichosomoides crassicauda. There was significant difference (P<0.05) in infection in female and male rats, with rate of 47.73% and 80.26%, respectively. The number of nematodes collected from each infected rats ranged from one to fourteen with an average of three nematodes per animal. Histopathological evaluation revealed multiple parasites with variable degree of lesions in transitional epithelium of urinary bladder. Parasites were lying upon the epithelium or located in chambers between epithelial cells. Also immature and embryonated eggs were seen in female worms. Other lesions were as follow: Hyperplasia of epithelium, erosions, ulcers and eosinophilic cystitis. This study reports the data on the presence of helminth parasites in laboratory rat colonies, and suggests paying attention on controlling the sanitary conditions of animal houses.
Rats and mice are the most used experimental models in research. Globally, animal houses are subjected to parasite outbreaks. In Brazil, the parasitological profile is used to reflect the sanitary condition of laboratory animals and must be monitored frequently. The present study developed an integrative review of scientific studies on the parasitological profile of rats and mice in animal facilities in Brazil. It identified the most prevalent parasite species reported in animal facilities from different geographic regions of the country, as well as factors contributing to the perpetuation of these parasites, and proposed measures to help prevent such infections. Based on the guiding question “which endoparasites and ectoparasites have already been identified in rat and mouse colonies in animal facilities in Brazil?” and considering inclusion and exclusion criteria, 28 studies published between 1974 and 2021 were selected in four scientific bases. These studies covered facilities in 12 Brazilian States, describing 16 genera of parasites in mice and 18 in rats. Most of the facilities in the selected studies were of the conventional type and with few sanitary barriers, and these conditions may favor the recurrence of parasites. Efforts are, therefore, necessary for institutions to have animal facilities in accordance with the legislation and practice optimal methodologies. The measures proposed in this article can contribute to change the panorama of parasites in the national animal facilities, aiming to safeguard the quality of scientific data and animal welfare.
