IMMUNE-RESPONSE TO TYPE-3 PNEUMOCOCCAL POLYSACCHARIDE IN MICE WITH MALARIA

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 28  (1) , 130-137
Abstract
The immune response of BALB/c mice to type III pneumococcal polysaccharide (SIII), as measured by splenic PFC [plaque-forming cells], was abolished at the height of an acute self-limiting attack of malaria caused by the murine plasmodium Plasmodium yoelii, over a wide range of antigen doses. The response to antigen, given at various times after clinical recovery, gradually reappeared, but did not reach normal levels until 12 wk after the injection of the parasite. A 2nd injection of P. yoelii given 1 h before SIII caused a moderate degree of depression, although in this case P. yoelii does not multiply. In chronic malaria the response to SIII was also very poor. Short term under-nourishment only slightly reduced the response to SIII.