Effects of age and splenectomy on heavy infection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in rats

► Young rats had a higher worm recovery of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. ► Adult rats infected with 400 larvae had a lower worm recovery. ► Splenectomized rats had a higher worm recovery with lower titers of antibodies. ► Crowding effect may occur in heavy infections. ► Effects of splenectomy on the host are independent of the intensity of infection.