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Immunization Against a Challenge with Insect Vector, Metacyclic Forms of Trypanosoma Cruzi Simulating a Natural Infection

The protective effects of immunization with an antigen derived from epimastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi against challenges with vector metacyclic or bloodstream forms of the parasite were investigated. A marked degree of protection was observed in the immunized mice after challenged with bloodstream or insect-transmissible metacyclic forms. High rates of survival in the immunized groups were accompanied by relatively low, short-lasting parasitemias in some of the animals and significant percentages of immunized mice never developed a measurable parasitemia during the course of the experiments. In contrast, all of the non-immunized animals showed high levels of parasitemias. Similar results were obtained whether the metacyclic challenge was by the intraperitoneal or by the ocular route for which conditions mimicking a natural infection were selected. These results emphasize the protection that immunization confers against challenge with insect-transmissible forms of T. cruzi, and the feasibility of protecting a highly susceptible host against an otherwise lethal acute infection similar to one occurring naturally.

Accepted for publication August 6, 1982.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				M. N. Madison, Y. Y. Kleshchenko, P. N. Nde, K. J. Simmons, M. F. Lima, and F. Villalta Human Defensin {alpha}-1 Causes Trypanosoma cruzi Membrane Pore Formation and Induces DNA Fragmentation, Which Leads to Trypanosome Destruction Infect. Immun., October 1, 2007; 75(10): 4780 - 4791. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]