IMMUNIZATION OF PIGS AGAINST TAENIA-SOLIUM CYSTICERCOSIS - FACTORS RELATED TO EFFECTIVE PROTECTION

Fifty-six (56) pigs were immunized against Taenia solium cysticercosis with antigens from Taenia crassiceps metacestodes, in a variety of pr otocols, and then challenged orally with Taenia solium proglottids or eggs, Results of immunization (expressed as individual parasite loads) ranged from significant reduction of parasite loads (host protection) to clear increase (parasite facilitation) in apparent relation to the immunogen dose, adjuvant employed and genetic background of the pigs. In all trials, however, immunized pigs harboured more damaged cystice rci than controls, indicating that immunization does induce some restr ictions to parasite survival even if these are eventually overwhelmed by other parasite-promoting factors. Western blots in immunized-protec ted pigs indicated antigens of 242, 234, 118, 77, 55 and 45 kDa as pos sibly being involved in immunological protection.