MECHANISMS OF IMMUNITY TO LEISHMANIASIS .2. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE INTRAMACROPHAGE LOCALIZATION OF THE PARASITE

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (1) , 25-35
Abstract
The effect of initiating leishmanial infection in guinea pigs with organisms contained within macrophages was examined. Infection of animals in this way resulted in the development of metastatic disease with inocula 2 logs lower than required when free parasites were injected. The macrophage localization protected the parasite from innate resistance and at certain times from mechanisms of acquired immunity. Despite this, initiation of infection with parasites secluded in macrophage resulted in the development of specific cell-mediated and humoral immunity. Protection of the parasite by the macrophage may contribute to the development of metastatic disease. Metastatic disease can develop in the fact of acquired mechanisms of resistance. Non-healing diffuse leishmaniasis may be the cause rather than the result of the suppressed immunological reactivity associated with this disease.