Polyplax spinulosa infestation and antibody response in various strains of laboratory rats.

The degree and duration of Polyplax spinulosa Burm. infestation depend on the sex, age and genetic factors of the host. Various rat strains differ in the severity of lousiness. Host grooming is an important factor in the rat-louse relationship. After longlasting infestations rats become partially resistant. Serum antibody level depends mainly on the severity and the duration of the infestation, and follows the dynamics of louse population. Serum antibodies have no direct negative effect on lice.