Œdema in Hamsters Infected with Leishmania

Abstract

IN the course of work upon the chemotherapy of experimental kala azar, I have observed that Syrian hamsters (Cricetus auratus) with long-standing infections of an Indian strain of Leishmania donovani sometimes develop severe œdema. Ascites and distension of the mesentery with fluid are the first signs of the condition. Later, gross œdema of the subcutaneous tissue develops and the skin is pulled down into a skirt around the flanks by the weight of the fluid it contains. The animal increases rapidly in weight through water retention and dies in a few days. An adult hamster weighing 80–100 gm. may gain 50 gm. in weight in the course of a week.