Evaluation of the resistance to Schistosoma mansoni infection in Nectomys squamipes (Rodentia: Cricetidae) , a natural host of infection in Brazil
Maldonado, A.; Machado e Silva, J.R.; Rodrigues e Silva, R.; Lenzi, H.L.; Rey, L.
Revista do Instituto de Medicina Tropical de Sao Paulo 36(3): 193-198
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0036-4665 PMID: 7855481 Document Number: 433405
The development of resistance during 3 stages of an active infection of Schistosoma mansoni (pre-ovular, acute and initial chronic stages) was studied in Nectomys squamipes, by comparing the total number of adult worms recovered from reinfected and control groups. It was shown that N. squamipes was unable to develop resistance under the conditions tested and that reinfection in the pre-ovular period of the parasite resulted in a reduction in the natural resistance of the host and an increase in parasite load. The results suggest that other forms of immunity exist in addition to the innate immunity of the host parasite relationship.