[Effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on the immune reactions against heterologous antigens in mice].

Abstract

Mice (BALB/c or ICR) were infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae. After different intervals (mostly eight weeks) the following antigens were injected: a) sheep erythrocytes--b) DNP-thyroglobulin. Afterwards the immune response against these antigens were checked by means of different methods (plaque assay, haemagglutination test, rosette technique). Immune responses to these antigens were depressed in all cases compared to age matched uninfected mice but it was not possible to transfer this immunosuppression with spleen cells to normal or to irradiated recipients.