Interstitial pneumonitis induced in guinea pigs by Triatoma infestans antigens.

Data concerning the experimental induction of hypersensitivity pneumonitis in guinea pigs with a Triatoma infestans antigen are presented. Glycoproteins obtained from the chitinous structures of T. infestans (79 kd + 11 kd) were aerosolized daily to guinea pigs during 7 weeks. The presence of specific antibodies (IgG and IgE) was detected by serological techniques; histopathological studies of the lungs showed interstitial infiltrates of macrophages and T-cells. Single non-necrotizing granulomas were seen at the seventh week of the experiment. The results from this animal model suggest that this hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a typical delayed-type reaction due to chronic contact with the heterologous glycoproteins of T. infestans.