Modulation of host response during infection with trichinella pseudospiralis using immuno-stimulant drug

ABSTRACT

Infection of the mouse with Trichinella pseudospiralis is accompanied by pronounced suppression of host inflammatory response. This study examines the effect of infection with this parasite on one major component of cell mediated immunity, delayed type hypersensitivity [DTH] reaction and the effect of administration of immunostimulant drug [levamisole] on host response to T. pseudospiralis infection. Serum cortisol levels and the response of skin test to phytohemagglutinin were used to construct the time table of drug regimen. Three groups were studied; group I [infected mice], group II [received Levamisole on day 6 pi], and group II [received Levamisole on day 14 pi]. Early administration of levamisole restored DTH response to normal and histopathological examination of infected muscles revealed evident collagen deposition around the muscle larvae