Innate Resistance toBabesiaInfection Is Influenced by Genetic Background and Gender

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Abstract
Infection of severe combined immunodeficient mice withBabesiasp. strain WA1 was studied to assess the contributions of innate and adaptive immunity in resistance to acute babesiosis. Thescidmutation showed little effect in genetically susceptible C3H mice and did not decrease the inherent resistance of C57BL/6 mice to the infection, suggesting that innate immunity plays a central role in determining the course ofBabesiainfection in these strains. In contrast, thescidmutation dramatically impaired resistance in moderately susceptible BALB/c mice, suggesting that acquired immunity may play an important secondary role. In comparison to their female counterparts, male mice of different genetic backgrounds showed increased resistance to the infection, indicating that the gender of the host may influence protection against babesiosis.