The proliferative response of mouse lymphoid tissues during infections with Babesia microti or Babesia rodhaini

Inchley C. J., Grieve E. M. and Preston P. M. 1987. The proliferative response of mouse lymphoid tissues during infections with Babesia microti or Babesia rodhaini. International Journal for Parasitology 17: 945–950. Proliferative responses induced by the lethal protozoan parasite, Babesia rodhaini, or the non-lethal species, B. microti were measured in the lymphoid tissues of infected mice. Both stimulated equally rapid DNA synthesis in the spleen, but spleen enlargement during the first week was more pronounced after infection with B. rodhaini, suggesting an earlier influx of cirulating cells than during B. microti infections. Termination of B. rodhaini infections by chemotherapy revealed that the recruitment of cells, but not the proliferative response, was dependent on the presence of live parasites. The spleen enlargement typical of B. microti-infected mice developed during the second week, but up to half of this response could be attributed to compensatory erythropoiesis. Babesia microti, but not B. rodhaini, induced a proliferative response in peripheral lymph nodes, and transiently depressed cell division in the thymus.