Effect of thiamine deficiency on the filarial infection of albino rats with Litomosoides carinii

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Induction of thiamine deficiency in albino rats led to greater susceptibility to infection with the filarial parasite, Litomosoides carinii. The patency of the infection was prolonged and there was a greater worm burden and a higher peak microfilaraemia in the deficient animals. The haemagglutinating antibody response to the infection was significantly reduced. The mitogenic response of the lymphocytes to PHA and Con A decreased progressively in infected, pair-fed and deficient animals in that order, suggesting the immunosuppressive effect of the infection and the synergistic role of thiamine deficiency on this effect. At the onset of latency to the infection, the serum from animals of all groups promoted antibody-dependent adhesion of splenic cells to microfilariae.