ABSTRACT
This chapter shows number of agents, including biological materials, to enhance nonspecifically host resistance to T. cruzi infection in laboratory animals and, compares the achieved level of resistance with that evoked by some of the immunogens. Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiologic agent of Chagas' disease, can become established in humans as well as in many other mammalian species and produce pathological conditions leading to death after either a relatively short acute phase or, more frequently, a protracted chronic period. Antibodies to T. cruzi were readily demonstrable in the sera of the immunized mice by Western blotting. This immunoglobulin isotype has been claimed to more effectively mediate antibody- dependent, complement-mediated lysis of T. cruzi trypomastigotes and has been linked with protective immunity in the mouse model system of Chagas' disease. The controversy on autoimmunity in Chagas' disease is resolved, it would be unwise to hold off research efforts that may contribute to the development of an effective vaccine.
