Cuterebra buccata: Immune response in myiasis of domestic rabbits

Naturally infected rabbits ( Oryctolagus) were used to define further the nature of the immune response in myiasis due to Cuterebra buccata. Third instar larvae were dissected into four fractions; (1) alimentary tract with attached organs, (2) hemolymph, (3) fat body with tracheae, and (4) cuticle with attached muscles. The antigens provoking immune phenomena in naturally infected rabbits were found to reside in the alimentary tract and hemolymph fractions only. All rabbits which were skin tested were found to exhibit delayed hypersensitivity and to have serum precipitins with specificity against these antigens. Passive cutaneous anaphylaxis activity was demonstrated only in sera from rabbits also exhibiting reaginic and/or Arthus-type skin hypersensitivities. With the use of immunoelectrophoresis four separate antigens were demonstrated in alimentary tract fractions. Larval dissections revealed the alimentary tract to be filled with cellular elements of rabbit whole blood. The immunologic findings are discussed in relation to this newly recognized feeding pattern and it is proposed that sensitization of the host occurs as a consequence of exogenous larval secretions injected at the time of feeding.