Hexamitiasis in laboratory mice, hamsters, and rats
Wagner, J.E.; Doyle, R.E.; Ronald, N.C.; Garrison, R.G.; Schmitz, J.A.
Laboratory Animal Science 24(2): 349-354
1974
ISSN/ISBN: 0023-6764 PMID: 4362885 Document Number: 71112
Hexamitiasis was associated with high mortality in inbred mice during periods of stress, particularly after weaning. Acutely affected mice had distended abdomens and died suddenly, usually without diarrhoea. P.M. examination revealed characteristic abundant accumulation of catarrhal fluid in the small intestine. More chronically affected mice appeared small for their age, depressed, and assumed a hunched posture. Direct smear examinations of catarrhal intestinal contents, was a valuable diagnostic aid. Microscopic study of sections of the anterior small intestine revealed accumulations of Hexamita in crypts and in the lumen between villi. Hexamita were also commonly observed in the intestinal tracts of apparently healthy laboratory rats and hamsters.