Immunization with crude antigens plus Aluminum hydroxide protects cattle from Fasciola hepatica infection

GUASCONI, L; SERRADELL, MC; BORGONOVO, J; GARRO, AP; VARENGO, H; CAFFE, G; MASIH, DT

CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS

Año: 2012 p. 64 - 64

he ability of Total Homogenate (TH) of Fasciola hepatica conjugated with Aluminum hydroxide (Alum) or Freund´s complete adjuvant (FCA) to protect cattle against experimental fasciolosis was evaluated. Compared to the control infection group, the immunized animals with Alum and FCA presented a significant reduction in fluke burden (85.9% and 96.8% respectively), a higher percentage of worms of short sizes, as well as an increased production of specific antibodies previous to infection. The Alum-TH immunized group also showed a significant increase in the antigen-specific proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as early as four weeks before infection. Although both immunized groups were able to evolve an efficient protective immune response to a metacercarial challenge, an earlier PBMC response and lower hepatic damage were found in Alum immunized animals. Therefore, Alum is a good candidate for future immunization against bovine fasciolosis.