The role of the spleen in relation to natural and acquired immunity to infections ofBabesia rodhainiin the rat

Abstract

In the system investigated the spleen was essential in most rats for the acquisition of immunity and its maintenance in the presence of the piroplasm.It is stressed that model immunological systems involving the role of the spleen do not simulate the complexity of a parasitic infection. The roles of the spleen as an antibody producer, and as a site of phagocytosis and haemopoiesis are discussed in relation to the control ofBabesia rodhainiby the rat. The possibility that the piroplasm may be able to undergo antigenic variation is considered.