An evaluation of the resistance to Microsporum canis on the basis of the guinea pig.

The purpose of the work was to assess the immune response of guinea pigs after the experimental infection with Microsporum canis, and after immunization with a specific live vaccine. The guinea pigs after the recovery from infection showed a delayed type of hypersensitivity and in addition, 30 per cent of the animals were characterized by the presence of immediate hypersensitivity reactions. All the animals were resistant to reinfection with M. canis and to some extent to Trichophyton verrucosum, however, no cross-immunity against T. mentagrophytes was found. The vaccinated animals were characterized mainly by delayed type of hypersensitivity and the resistance to approximately 1000 infectious doses of M. canis.