MORPHOMETRY OF SKELETAL-MUSCLE INVOLVEMENT IN MICE INFECTED OR PREIMMUNIZED WITH LIVE ATTENUATED TRYPANOSOMA-CRUZI

A morphometric study was undertaken in the quadriceps muscle of Swiss mice in order to assess the effects of immunization with attenuated T. cruzi upon tissue lesions. Interfascicular lymphocytic infiltration, presence of amastigote nests, vascular lesions, degeneration and fibrosis were evaluated independently. Each of these alterations was drastically prevented in preimmunized animals. These results indicate that immunity against T. cruzi not only reduces circulating parasites but also clears most of the organic damage caused by infection.