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The open-field behaviour of mice infected with Trichinella spiralis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  06 April 2009

M. E. Rau
M. E. Rau
Affiliation:
Institute of Parasitology, McGill University, Macdonald Campus, Ste. Anne de Bellevue, P.Q., CanadaH9X 1CO
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Summary

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.

Information

Type
Research Article
Information
Parasitology , Volume 86 , Issue 2 , April 1983 , pp. 311 - 318
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1983

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