Specific cell-mediated immune response in rabbits immunised and infected with Trichophyton mentagrophytes

Deep crusty dermatophytosis was demonstrated in 10-week-old rabbits naturally and experimentally infected with T. mentagrophytes. Moreover, specific cell-mediated immune response in T. mentagrophytes-infected rabbits occurrd in two phases. During the presence of clinical symptoms of trichophytosis, slightly positive results of leukocyte migration inhibition factor (LMIF) assay were noted, whereas the highest values were observed during spontaneous regression of fungal lesions and complete recovery. The slightly positive LMIF values in rabbits with fungal lesions reflect the mechanism of cell-mediated immune response during T. mentagrophytes infection. On the other hand, the highest positive LMIF values during spontaneous recovery indicate that regression of fungal lesions is attributed to acquired specific cellular immunity. The findings also confirm that the used vaccine against trichophytosis quite strongly stimulates the cell-mediated immune mechanisms, which is confirmed by positive LMIF values in immunised rabbits.