Cross Immunity Between Plasmodium relictum and Plasmodium lophurae in Chickens

Abstract

DATA from several experiments have suggested that host defenses, responding to the presence of parasites, may be implicated in host-specificity of avian malaria. Such defenses include the spleen which has been designated as the organ of importance in this protection (Taliaferro and Taliaferro, 1955; Moulder and Taliaferro, 1955; Taliaferro, 1956; and Longenecker et al., 1966). That antibodies are produced in response to malarial infections is well documented (Manwell and Goldstein, 1940; Taliaferro, 1940; Coggeshall and Kumm, 1938; Zuckerman, 1945; Ingram et al., 1961).Yet while there is much evidence for host specificity there is also evidence for cross immunity. Examination of the Plasmodium literature indicates that results of previous cross immunity studies have been variable. The complete lack of heterologous cross immunity has been frequently reported. Hartman (1927), used P. praecox (now P. elongatum) and the H strain of P. cathemerium and Manwell (1929), used the same parasites. Kikuth (1931),…