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The Innate Immune Response In Eisenia Fetida To Microbial Challenges, Aaron Schindler
The Innate Immune Response In Eisenia Fetida To Microbial Challenges, Aaron Schindler
Journal of Undergraduate Research at Minnesota State University, Mankato
The common earthworm, Eisenia fetida, exhibits a rudimentary immune system. The earthworm needs cellular and chemical responses against a constant microbial exposure from its natural environment. Some cellular and chemical responses are found in the coelomic fluid and have been shown to demonstrate anti-microbial characteristics. This project uses microscopy and modified staining techniques to differentiate and categorize the cellular components found in the coelomic fluid. Following a microbial challenge by Klebsiella pneumoniae, an inflammatory response was initiated. Six groups of earthworms were injected with 0.05 ml of 1.0 x 106 cfu /ml K. pneumoniae on day one and tested over …