The development of a vaccine that brings schistosomiasis
under immunological control has been the goal of many
investigators all over the world for decades. This study was
designed to test the effects of NHN vaccine which contains
chemically modified Biomphalaria Alexandrina Snail antigen on
reducing the worm burden, inducing body immune re-Sponse through
raising the IgG titre and on reducing the incidence of
pathological changes in organs from mice vaccinated then infected
compared to mice infected without vaccination (prophylactic
effect) and also in mice infected then vaccinated (curative
effect). Statistical analysis of the results showed that NHN
dose-dependantly raised the IgG titre in the vaccinated mice.
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The number of worms recovered from mice pre-injected with the
vaccine then challenged with schistosomal cercaria was about 10%
of the number recovered from mice challenged without prevaccination.
Vaccination with NHN significantly reduced the
incidence of pathological changes in livers and intestines in
challenged mice. These results suggest a possible potent effect
of the compound tested (NHN vaccine) in preventing and even
curing the pathological consequences of schistosomiasis
infection. |
