Modulation of host response by Trichinella pseudospiralis

Measurement of myeloperoxidase activity in the muscles of mice infected with Trichinella pseudospiralis, T. spiralis or both helminths allowed quantitation of host inflammatory response to the parasite. Infection of the host with T. pseudospiralis alone was accompanied by less inflammation in host diaphragm muscle than was the case in hosts infected with T. spiralis alone. A dramatic reduction in inflammation around s.c. implanted cotton string was observed in mice infected with T. pseudospiralis alone below that seen in uninfected mice. Concurrent infection of the host with T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis resulted in a lowering of myositis below that seen in the diaphragm muscles of mice infected with T. spiralis alone.