The Susceptibility of London-hooded and Wistar rats of Experimental Infection with Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract

1. The susceptibility of two strains of rats, namely London-hooded and Wistar, to infection with S. mansoni has been investigated2. Although equal numbers of cercariae penetrated the skin in both strains, recovery of worms was always higher from the London-hooded strain irrespective of the dosage level.3. In both strains there was a significant relationship between body weight at time of infection and number of worms recovered. The correlation was a negative one, indicating that lighter (younger) rats were more susceptible than heavier (older) rats.4. A rapid rate of elimination of infection was demonstrated in London-hooded rats between the 4th and 8th week after infection.