Intravital imaging of host-parasite interactions in organs of the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities

Cell Microbiol. 2020 Jun;22(6):e13201. doi: 10.1111/cmi.13201. Epub 2020 Apr 5.

Abstract

Infections with protozoan and helminthic parasites affect multiple organs in the mammalian host. Imaging pathogens in their natural environment takes a more holistic view on biomedical aspects of parasitic infections. Here, we focus on selected organs of the thoracic and abdominopelvic cavities most commonly affected by parasites. Parasitic infections of these organs are often associated with severe medical complications or have health implications beyond the infected individual. Intravital imaging has provided a more dynamic picture of the host-parasite interplay and contributed not only to our understanding of the various disease pathologies, but has also provided fundamental insight into the biology of the parasites.

Keywords: diseases; imaging; infection; intravital; microscopy; parasitology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Genitalia
  • Heart / parasitology
  • Host-Parasite Interactions*
  • Humans
  • Intravital Microscopy / methods*
  • Liver
  • Lung / parasitology
  • Male
  • Mammary Glands, Human
  • Parasites*
  • Parasitic Diseases*
  • Placenta
  • Pregnancy