Experimental infection of nude mice as a model for Sarcocystis neurona-associated encephalitis

The development of a rodent model for the study of Sarcocystis neurona encephalitis is described, Animal models have been developed for a number of protozoal parasites, however, no such model exists for S. neurona. The approach used in this study is similar to that employed for other closely related protozoal parasites such as Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii. A time course of infection was examined, and histopathology. immunohistochemistry. and parasite isolation were used to examine the pathogenesis and follow the infection from 1 to 6 weeks postinoculation. S. neurona was associated with the development of encephalitis in these mice. and the immune status determined the susceptibility of these mice to S. neurona-associated encephalitis.