Hamster IFN-γ+CD4+ and IL-4+CD4+ T cell responses against leptospires are significantly higher than those of mice

Abstract

Background: Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by the Leptospira interrogans. The hamster is considered a susceptible host while the mouse is resistant. The knowledge of hamster T cell immunity is limited compared to the mouse. The reason why the hamster and the mouse give different responses to leptospires remains unclear.