Susceptibility of Chinese hamsters (Cricetulus griseus) to the infection of Babesia microti.

Chinese hamsters were examined for the susceptibility to the infection with Babesia microti based on the hematological parameters during the course of infection. A marked decrease in the RBC count, Ht value, Hb concentration, and an increase in WBC count due to the development of neutrophils or monocytes were recognized with the progress of parasitemia. Remarkable clinical findings were anemia and persistent infection with a low level of parasite burden in the chronic and convalescent stages. From these findings, it was concluded that Chinese hamsters were susceptible to infection with B. microti and would be useful for infection examination with the parasite.