Necator americanusin infant rabbits: complete development, humoral antibody, leukocyte response and serum protein changes following infection

Abstract

ABSTRACTNecator americanus, originally isolated from man, developed completely in infant rabbits (RSG-1). This infection was serially passed in infant rabbits up to the 6th generation without using any immunosuppressant. Two day old infant rabbits demonstrated a high degree of susceptibility toN. americanus. Studies revealed the retention of worms in the intestine for more than 150 days during which egg production was high. In this experimental model the leukocyte, antibody and serum protein responses due toN. americanusinfection were monitored. Results showed that eosinophil numbers rose significantly from day 28 to 170. A maximum was observed on day 80 (41%) in rabbits of the fourth generation. Antibodies toN. americanuswere detectable in infected rabbits by counterimmunoelectrophoresis using third stage larval antigen (Rabbit strain). Generally, total globulins increased with decrease in albumin. Serum protein increase was associated with alpha-2, beta and gamma globulin components.