Hymenolepis citelli and H. diminuta: worm burdens in homologous and heterologous infections in rats.

Primary and secondary infections of Hymenolepis citelli were followed in CFHB rats. In primary infections of 6, 20, and 50 cysticercoids, over 75% of the worms administered became established and grew. Thereafter, survival depended on the intensity of the primary infection. Acquired resistance to homologous challenge infections could be stimulated in rats by prior infection with H. citelli. The growth of secondary worms decreased as the intensity of the sensitizing infection increased. The protective response waned with time in the absence of the primary worms. Cross-protective responses between H. citelli and H. diminuta occur in rats infected previously with either parasite. Retardation in the growth of secondary worms may have an immunological basis.