Opisthorchis viverrini: Partial success in adoptively transferring immunity with spleen cells and serum in the hamster

Three groups of golden Syrian hamsters received intraperitoneally either, (1) 1 x 10(7) spleen cells, (2) 0.5 ml. serum or, (3) 1 x 10(7) spleen cells plus 0.5 ml. serum, from donors infected 6 weeks previously with 25 Opisthorchis viverrini metacercariae, one day before and at the same time as challenge with 25 metacercariae. Three groups of control animals received the same quantities of spleen cells, serum or an admixture of both from normal non-infected donors in the same manner followed by challenge with 25 metacercariae. Animals were killed six weeks after challenge, livers and extrahepatic biliary systems carefully removed, and liver worm burdens estimated. Additionally, parasitic egg counts were performed on pooled faeces samples collected one hour prior to death. Animals receiving spleen cells, serum, or an admixture of both, from normal non-infected donors had mean worm burdens of 11.44, 12.00 and 12.66, respectively. Animals receiving spleen cells, serum, or both, from infected donors had mean worm burdens of 9.88, 7.77 and 12.00, respectively. There were no significant differences in mean worm burdens between control and experimental groups. However, a substantial reduction in parasitic faecal egg counts and subsequently mean egg production per worm was observed in all 3 groups of animals receiving spleen cells, serum, or both, from infected donors when compared to their respective control groups. These findings are discussed in relation to adoptive transfer studies performed with other helminths and their possible relevance to naturally acquired immunity is commented on.