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Vaccination against hydatidosis using a defined recombinant antigen
Author(s) -
LIGHTOWLERS M. W.,
LAWRENCE S. B.,
GAUCI C. G.,
YOUNG J.,
RALSTON M. J.,
MAAS D.,
HEATH D. D.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
parasite immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.795
H-Index - 75
eISSN - 1365-3024
pISSN - 0141-9838
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3024.1996.tb01029.x
Subject(s) - echinococcus granulosus , vaccination , biology , transmission (telecommunications) , antigen , virology , echinococcosis , parasite hosting , immunology , disease , pathogen , recombinant dna , helminthiasis , medicine , zoology , pathology , biochemistry , world wide web , computer science , gene , electrical engineering , engineering
SUMMARY Echinococcus granulosus is the causative agent of hydatid disease in humans and animals. Natural transmission of the parasite occurs between dogs as definitive hosts and animal intermediate hosts. There is an urgent need for improved methods to control the parasite's transmission. Here we describe the development of a vaccine based on a cloned recombinant antigen from the parasite egg (oncosphere). Sheep vaccinated with the antigen, designated EG95, are protected (mean 96–98%) against hydatidosis developing from an experimental challenge infection with E. granulosus eggs. The vaccine will provide a valuable new tool to aid in control of transmission of this important human pathogen. It also has the potential to prevent hydatid disease directly through vaccination of humans.