Objective To explore the differences in immune responses between Cricetulus barabensis and their albino mutant infected with Trichinella spiralis. Methods The physiological parameters of blood, expression levels of IL-2 protein and IL-6 gene in the spleen were analyzed. Results The level of immune cells and cytokines of Cricetulus barabensis was higher than that in the albino mutant. Conclusions Cricetulus barabensis is a suitable model animal for research on long-term latent infection such as infection with Trichinella spiralis.