Effect of mercury on the immune response and mean intensity of Ascaris suum infection in guinea pigs.

The subchronic effect of mercury on selected immunological parameters was studied in guinea pigs with experimental Ascaris suum infection. HgC1(2) given for 28 days reduced significantly T- and B-cell populations in the lymphoid organs and the phagocytic ability of peritoneal macrophages. The subsequent infection of HgC1(2)-intoxicated animals elevated the studied immunological parameters, but in comparison with infected non-intoxicated guinea pigs they remained significantly suppressed. The mercury compound in infection stressed animals caused a slight alteration of the complement CH50 and AH50 activity. The specific circulating antibody level in infected and HgC1(2) treated animals rose a little by day 12 p.i. and then again decreased significantly, compared with untreated guinea pigs. The mean intensity of infection with migrating Ascaris larvae in HgC1(2)-treated animals increased by 15%, compared with controls.