Modulation of delayed-type hypersensitivity in mice during infection with Trichinella pseudospiralis or Trichinella spiralis

Contact sensitivity to trinitrochlorobenzene, measured as myeloperoxidase activity, revealed delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) in mice. DTH in mice infected with Trichinella pseudospiralis or Trichinella spiralis was augmented during chronic phase of infection and was suppressed during acute phase of infection. Suppression of DTH by both parasites was transferable with spleen cells from infected to uninfected mice. Histological data supported these findings. T. pseudospiralis always induced a significantly greater effect than did T. spiralis. Granulomatous response to cotton string subcutaneously implanted at several time points during infection with T. pseudospiralis clearly delineated immunoregulatory influences by parasitism in terms of the infection process.