Experimental ocular Onchocerciasis in cynomolgus monkeys

Abstract

Infection of cynomolgus monkeys with microfilariae (Mf) of Onchocerca lienalis was studied as a model for human ocular onchocerciasis. Normal monkeys and immunized monkeys were given intracorneal/subconjunctival, intracameral, or intravitreal injections of Mf or bovine serum albumin (control). Selected animals were given diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) orally (15 mg/kg) daily after the ocular infection. Following intravitreal challenge, living Mf and fibrinous exudates were visible by slit-lamp in both the anterior chamber and vitreous. Eosinophils and macrophages surrounded the Mf in the vitreous, with degranulated eosinophils adherent to the Mf. Eosinophils infiltrated the uvea and surrou..