Experimental cutaneous leishmaniasis. IV. Selective suppression of cell-mediated immunity during the response of guinea-pigs to infection with Leishmania enriettii.

  • 1 February 1974
    • journal article
    • Vol. 16  (2) , 189-202
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine whether suppression of acquired, cell-mediated immunity occurred during the course of cutaneous leishmaniasis of the guinea-pig. In order to do this, groups of animals were infected with amastigotes of Leishmania enriettii in doses ranging from 101 to 2 × 108 organisms. The clinical course of primary and metastatic infection was followed for up to 30 weeks and the immunological response was examined by skin tests of hypersensitivity to soluble leishmanial antigens, by detection of circulating antibody, and by determining the resistance of animals to reinfection with fresh organisms.