Interaction between toxocara vitulorum [nematoda] and prohemistomum vivax [trematoda]

Protective cross-reactivity between T. vitulorum and P. vivax was investigated in outbred albino rats. Protective resistance was confirmed in this model, especially when the trematode was given closer to the inflammatory period produced by T. vitulorum infection i.e. seven days prior to trematode administration. Such resistance decreased as the time between the two infections increased. Previous T vitulorum infection increased the induction of inflammatory reactions and influx of eosinophils but not mast cells. Serum and mucosal antibody responses to P. vivax adult and metacercarial antigens were more intense on previous exposure to T. vitulorum, especially seven days prior to trematode infection. The implications of these results with respect to protective resistance are discussed

Effect of larval trematodes on the gonads and antibody response of the freshwater snails, biomphalaria Alexandrina and bulinus truncatus

Infection of hermaphroditic freshwater snails with digenetic trematodes causes a strong reduction in gamete production and sexual maturation. The reduction in gamete production in infected snails coincides with the migration and establishment of larval stages of parasite in the gonad acini. The acini were abserved to be invaded with large numbers of rediae and cercariae and consequently the gonad of B, alexandrina [Ehrenberg, 1831] and B. truncatus [Audouin, 1827] following exposure to infection were investigated, to characterize the parasite-induced response and to understand its functional relevance. Infection provoked significant elevations in titres, but this elevation doesn't interfere or stop the fate of parasite. Thus, the functional relevance of the response remains enigmatic