Naturally acquired resistance to experimental infections of Schistosoma mansoni in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)

Abstract

In recent years there has been a steadily growing interest in the immunology of schistosomiasis. Much work has been carried out using a variety of experimental hosts and many attempts have been made to vaccinate these hosts against schistosomes, both by exposing them to irradiated cercariae and by injecting them with various antigens derived from the parasites. These attempts have been attended by varying degrees of success. The ultimate object of much of this work has been its possible application to the disease in man. We believe, however, that work of this kind cannot really be profitably undertaken unless there already exists a sound understanding of the basic host-parasite relations between the schistosomes and their hosts. This knowledge is essential in order to decide whether a finding in one host is likely to be applicable in others. With this idea in mind, we report here our findings on naturally acquired resistance to Schistosoma mansoni in the rhesus monkey.