Mesocestoides in the Baboon and its Developmentin Laboratory Animals

Abstract

Tetrathyridia of Mesocestoides sp. were recovered from three wild-captured African baboons. Active larvae were administered orally to laboratory-reared dogs, cats, rats and mice. Development in canine hosts was rapid and a high percentage of mature intact worms was recovered as early as 14 days post-exposure. The few worms recovered from the feline hosts were stunted and fragmented. No adult worm development occurred in the rats or mice. No significant clinical or pathological manifestations were exhibited in the primate or experimental laboratory hosts.