Cysticercosis in a Wistar Albino Rat

Abstract

The present study was conducted to know the cause for multiple cysts in the liver of laboratory rat used for experimental purpose in research work. A male Wistar albino rat about 22 weeks of age showed the presence of numerous cysts in liver. The cyst along with normal liver tissue was collected in 10% of formalin and processed for histopathology. Gross examination of liver showed white to yellowish cyst of 0.2 to 0.6 cm diameter, on incision, fluid or purulent exudates and larvae was seen. Histopathological examination revealed well-developed cyst wall with inner layer composed of cytokeratin along with thick connective layers mainly of fibrous tissue. The hepatocytes were damaged with severe infiltration of eosinophils and plasma cells surrounding the cyst. The larva showed the presence of an outer acellular eosinophilic cuticular layer and underlying subtentacular layer along with scolex containing hooks and suckers. Thus, based on the gross and histopathological examination, the accidental finding of cysts was confirmed to be Cysticercus fascioliaris infection in Wistar albino rat and it also indicated that the infection might be transmitted through water or bedding materials. Hence, it is necessary to give much emphasis on the quality of laboratory rodents used for experimental purposes and also for water and bedding materials used in future. Further, it is important to take safety and precautionary measures in laboratory animal house to avoid spread of zoonotic diseases to humans.