Experimental infection with Ancylostoma caninum larvae in mice. VI. Serum protein pattern use due to repeated exposures to infection.

Three mice groups were infected with various repeated doses and other four groups with single doses of Ancylostoma caninum larvae. Serum samples collected at various intervals were analysed electrophoretically. The results were compared first with an uninfected control group and then with those of the corresponding non-immunized single-dose-infected groups. Remarkably decreased values of albumin, increased beta globulin and increased total globulins with a decreased A/G ratio were observed. There was no correlation between the decrease in albumin and the increase in beta globulin found in the immunized groups. No further enhancement in serum protein components was noted on repeated exposure to infection. Immunized groups of mice, infected twice with a 500-larval dose, showed an exceptional increase in alpha-2 globulin and unchanged gamma globulin levels.