Effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on offsprings born from infected mothers.

Offsprings C57BL/6 mice (4 weeks old) coming from either moderately infected (40 S. mansoni cercariae) or heavily infected (100 S. mansoni cerariae) mothers, were exposed to 40 S. mansoni cercariae each. Seven weeks post infection (P.I.), Offsprings were sacrificed. In both groups there was significant reduction in the worm load, both hepatic and intestinal tissue egg count. The oogram profile was not altered. Humoral immune response as regards the level of anti S. mansoni SEA Ab was elevated in both groups in comparison to their parallel controls at 2 weeks post delivery and 7 weeks P.I. The level of antibodies was significantly higher in heavily infected Offsprings than that present in offsprings coming from moderately infected mothers. Delayed footpad swelling and hepatic granuloma size were significantly reduced in both groups comparing with their corresponding controls.