Reduction of Challenge Parasite Population in Gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, Chronically Infected with Schistosoma mansoni

Homologous challenge parasite attrition in gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, chronically infected with Schistosoma mansoni, was investigated by the recovery technique of retrograde portal perfusion. Whereas the animals vaccinated with gamma- or UV-attenuated cercariae of S. mansoni showed a marginal level of resistance, the chronically infected gerbils exhibited significant parasite attrition against a homologous challenge infection. Our data do not corroborate a previous report suggesting a lack of resistance in gerbils with chronic S. mansoni infection. The gerbil represents an additional experimental host for evaluating acquired resistance to S. mansoni, including that induced by previous exposure to irradiated larvae on chronic infection.