Effect of immunomodulation on experimental trichinosis in mice

ABSTRACT

Three experimental designs were employed in the present study for evaluation of the immune mechanisms involved in different phases of Trichinella infection in mice, through alteration of the immune status of the host. Immunosuppression by cortisone and chemically induced diabetes led to fulmination of infection manifested as chronicity of intestinal phase and increased muscle parasitism. This suggests that diabetes greatly suppresses cell-mediated immune mechanisms in trichinosis. It also indicates the importance of cell mediated immune responses in control of Trichinella infection. BCG administration before infection led to suppression of the intestinal immune mechanisms, although it led to stimulation of intestinal and systemic defense mechanisms and increased muscle inflammatory response when given 2 and 3 weeks after infection, resulting in reduction of muscle parasitism