RESPONSE OF MONKEYS TO RESPIRATORY CHALLENGE FOLLOWING SUBCUTANEOUS INOCULATION WITH COCCIDIOIDES IMMITIS

Abstract

Seven monkeys inoculated subcutaneously with viable spores of C. immitis (Silveira strain), along with four controls, were subjected to inhalatory challenge with viable spores of C. immitis. When sacrificed 46 days later the control animals had developed widespread disease with massive pulmonary involvement and extensive necrosis; the previously infected monkeys showed a mixed response 3 were healthy and 3 very ill. Despite this difference, Roentgenographic and histopathologic examination revealed that development of C. immitis in all lesions was restricted and necrosis was virtually absent. Evaluation of subcutaneous inoculation as a procedure for immunization against respiratory challenge with C. immitis is difficult because of mixed response in such a small group of experimental animals. Previous experiences, however, indicated some resistance is provided by this method.