Evidence of anti-embryonation immunity and egg destruction in mice sensitized with immature eggs of Schistosoma japonicum.

ABSTRACT

BALB/c mice sensitized by repeated injections of immature eggs of the trematode worm, Schistosoma japonicum, were challenged with low numbers of cercariae and evidence was sought for inhibition of embryonation by examination of eggs in livers and intestines at days 40 - 42 of infection. In contrast to the situation in unsensitized control mice, a greater proportion of dead eggs was noted in tissues of many of egg-sensitized mice. There was also a decrease in the proportion of mature eggs relative to control mice. A substantial number of egg - sensitized mice contained no eggs in the liver though eggs were readily detected in their intestinal walls. The data support the concept that immune effector mechanisms act on eggs in a manner that prevents their full development into a miracidium and thus a rich source of immunopathologic antigens.