IMMUNOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF L-DONOVANI INFECTION IN MICE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF T-CELL IN RESISTANCE TO EXPERIMENTAL LEISHMANIASIS

  • 1 January 1980
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (3) , 508-514
Abstract
The parasite burdens of livers and spleens of several strains of mice following infection with L. donovani were determined for a period of over 120 days. The parasite loads of the spleens and livers were correlated with the development of immunity to reinfection, footpad sensitivity and antibody [Ab] titers. The strains of mice studied could be divided into 2 groups - those highly susceptible and those relatively non-susceptible. The Ab in the susceptible strains appeared 12 days after infection and increased thereafter. The Ab in the less susceptible strains appeared some time later and remained at the same level throughout the test period. In strains CAFl, C57Bl/6 and BALB/c skin reactivity to Leishmania antigen developed at the time when the parasite burden had decreased from its peak. Skin reactivity never developed in DBA/l mice, the most highly susceptible strain, and in A/j, the least susceptible strain. Development of resistance to reinfection with L. donovani following i.v. and i.p. infection was observed in C57Bl mice. Upon cell transfer from these immune animals, protective immunity was mediated through the thymus-dependent lymphocytes. Serum from immune mice could not confer immunity on the recipient animals.