Strongyloides ratti infections in rats. II. Effects of cortisone treatment.

Cortisone (5 mg daily subcutaneously) suppressed both primary and secondary immune explusion of Strongyloides ratti, and reduced the intestinal mast cell response, but did not induce hyperinfection in rats. Cortisone-treated animals expelled primary worm burdens without complication about 2 wk after steroid treatment. A model for gastrointestinal hypersensitivity syndromes in discussed.