A study of delayed hypersensitivity and desensitization in guinea pigs after Brucella infection

We made use of the guinea pig model to demonstrate delayed hypersensitive manifestations in the knee as well as the liver rather than the skin. Experiments revealed that several factors took part in this immune response, i.e. nature of sensitizing agents, route and dosage of allergen procured and functional involvement of local tissue or organ. For instance, the knee swelling was triggered by intraarticular introduction of allergen while the distended liver gave rise to a pathogenic fatal outcome after large dose intravenously. Animal models were also established to abolish partially all these forms of immune reactions in a duration of limited time as a result of desensitization by brucellysin. These immune manifestations and their possible correlation to the pathogenesis of brucellosis were discussed.