The pathogenesis of Trichostrongyloid parasites: some effects of Nematospiroides dubius on the erythrocyte patterns and spleens of mice

Infection of 30-day old mice with 400 larvae of N. dubius resulted in the development of a hypocythemic, microcytic, and hyperchromic anemia. The anemia was largely prevented by an iron supplement and was believed to be due to the following conditions: (1) the high physiological requirements for iron in recently weaned and rapidly growing mice; (2) reduced intestinal absorption of iron and/or other essential nutrients; and (3) chronic hemorrhage. Later in the course of the disease the anemia became hypercythemic, microcytic, and hypochromic. This was attributed to compensatory hemoconcentration, improved function of the small intestine, and lessened requirements for an increase in blood volume. Splenomegaly was a prominent pathlogical change and it appeared to result from the combined effects of anemia and an unidentified factor, possibly a secretion or an excretion of the parasite. It was demonstrated by using splenectomized mice that under the conditions of the present experiments, the spleen was not an essential part of the resistance mechanism.