Amyloidosis induced in hamsters by a filarid parasite (Dipetalonema viteae).

Amyloidosis was induced in hmasters infected with the filarial nematode parasite, Dipetalonema viteae. The incidence of amyloidosis was 64% in a group inoculated with 150 larvae and 54% in the group receiving 150 larvae in each of two inoculations. Amyloidosis was not seen in control animals. Microfilariae probably served as the antigenic stimulus in the pathogenesis of amyloidosis, since those animals in which amyloidosis was formed had microfilaremias that were significantly greater (P less than 0.05) both in number and duration than those in infected animals that did not develop amyloidosis. Other reports of amyloidosis associated with filariasis are reviewed.