Capillaria hepatica: granuloma formation to eggs. II. Peripheral immunological responses

Peripheral immunological responses were assessed by indirect hemagglutination, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, gel diffusion, and delayed dermal reactivity in mice with experimental primary and secondary Capillaria hepatica egg granulomas. Agglutinating and homocytotropic antibodies as well as delayed dermal reactivity, but not precipitating antibodies, were detected in animals with primary and secondary granulomas. The demonstration of circulating antibody during the course of granuloma formation indicates a possible role for antibody in the response and is cause for a reassessment of the etiology of experimental helminth egg granulomas.