IMMUNOLOGICAL CONTROL OF GASTROINTESTINAL NEMATODE INFECTIONS

Control of nematode parasitism by an active manipulation of the host i mmune response has been a goal of veterinary and medical parasitologis ts for decades. The reality of achieving this goal has been questioned vigorously and demonstrations of the feasibility of using immunologic al control under field conditions are minimal. Nevertheless, with the rapid growth of modern biotechnology and the identification of novel p arasite molecules as vaccine targets, the potential for success in thi s area has recently generated considerable excitement. The induction a nd regulation of the ruminant immune response against nematode parasit es can be controlled either by management programs which include anthe lmintic treatment or by vaccination. Both approaches will be discussed in this session. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.