Reduction of muscle larvae burden in rats experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis

In Wistar rats infected with 500 to 2,500 Trichinella spiralis larvae the muscle larvae intensity (larvae per gram-l.p.g.) was measured from 20 to 180 day post infection (d.p.i). The l.p.g. increased to day 40-50 p.i. and decreased thereafter. The highest reduction took place between 60 and 120 d.p.i. with intermediate inoculum of T. spiralis larvae. The mechanism of the reduction of T. spiralis larvae in muscles is suggested to depend on pericapsular-intercapsular host cells infiltrations attracted by parasite antigens.