VACCINATION OF LANGUR MONKEYS (PRESBYTIS-ENTELLUS) AGAINST LEISHMANIA-DONOVANI WITH AUTOCLAVED L. MAJOR PLUS BCG

The protective potential of killed Leishmania major (ALM) along with B CG was evaluated against L. donovani in Indian langur monkeys in singl e and triple dose schedules. A delayed protection was observed in monk eys after a single dose schedule of ALM (3 mg)+BCG (3 mg) given intrad ermally 2 months before intravenous challenge with L. donovani. Triple dose schedule each of 1 mg ALM+1 mg BCG was more effective. The statu s remained unchanged until the end of the experiment (approximately 8 months). The study indicates that a combination of ALM+BCG may be a go od candidate vaccine for exploiting against human Kala-azar.