Eimeria vermiformis: differences in the course of primary infection can be correlated with lymphocyte responsiveness in the BALB/c and C57BL/6 mouse, Mus musculus.

BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice are high- and low-responders, respectively, to infection with Eimeria vermiformis, this genetically determined difference being immunologically mediated. In order to identify the level at which response phenotype is determined, the proliferation of mesenteric lymph node cells and their ability to transfer immunity adoptively were investigated in each strain; the development of circulating serum antibodies to E. vermiformis was also determined. In all respects BALB/c mice responded earlier than the C57BL/6 but peak values were similar in both strains. The relationship between the temporal differences noted and the characteristic, differing course of the primary infection in the two strains is discussed.