Abstract
Summary
The superimposition of infection by the dwarf tapeworm, Hymenolepis nana, on mice exposed to either 450 or 650 R of whole body x-irradiation considerably lowered host survival. Larger worm loads were observed in mice surviving radiation exposure and infection. Infections persisted for longer periods of time and at higher levels (in terms of worm number) in irradiated hosts as compared to those not irradiated. However, increased susceptibility and lowered immunity, as exhibited by irradiated (450 R) hosts, did not appear to permit autoinfection to take place. Streptomycin therapy produced a striking increase in the survival of irradiated, infected mice.
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