The interaction between entamoeba histolytica and schistosoma mansoni infections in mice

Abstract
A synergistic relationship between caecal amoebiasis and S. mansoni infections has been demonstrated in the mouse. The interaction affected both the infectivity of an E. histolytica inoculum and also the likelihood of amoebic tissue invasion. There was some correlation with worm load. Prepatent schistosome infections were apparently without effect but animals with unisexual infections were somewhat more susceptible than controls. Possible mechanisms include intramucosal tissue damage produced by schistosome ova and an altered immunological responsiveness.