CHRONIC GIARDIASIS IN CBA/N MICE

Giardia muris is an intestinal parasite of mice. It has a simple life cycle and is non-invasive. Therefore. G. IlUris infection provides a model to study immune mechanisms that operate at mucosal surfaces. IlIlDlUnocolipetent mice eliminate primary ~ ~ infections. T cell-dependent humoral illllllUne mechanisms are involved in this process. The CBA/N mouse bears an X-linked immunodeficiency gene (Xid) , the expression of which results in defective B cell maturation and consequent impairment of certain humoral immune responses. The antibody responses of CBA/N mice are particularly defective in certain isotypes and specificities. CBA/N mice fail to eliminate G. muris. The major focus of this dissertation was an attempt to elucidate the basis for chronic giardiasis in this strain. Cellular reconstitution experiments showed that the abilit