Studies on interaction between Schistosoma mansoni and Babesia microti in mice

Abstract

A review of the literature on schistosomiasis, babesiosis and parasitic interaction in concurrent infections is presented. In the experiments mice were first infected with Schistosoma mansoni and later some of these were concurrently infected with Babesia microti. Methods were developed for the recovery of schistosomes adult worms. Some clinico-pathological parameters were measured. The parasitaemias were studied by Giemsa-stained blood smears, while the antibody levels in all the groups of mice were determined using indirect fluorescent antibody test employing a B. microti antigen.

The dual infection caused an enhancement of the hepatomegaly, the splenomegaly and the development of anaemia. The parasitaemia was not affected, but the antibody levels measured by IFA test were markedly depressed. These findings are first reported here.