Normal, and vaccinated mice four weeks previously with radiation
attenuated cercariae of S. mansoni (500hnouse) were challenged with normal
cercariae (150hnouse), then treated one week later with praziquantel (40
mg/kg body weight, orally). Worm burden was determined to calculate the %
Protection in all groups under study. Histopathological examination of liver,
small and large intestine, spleen and lung was done. Serum IgE level was
estimated using the immunoradiometric assay. (IRMA). The dA, protection
was highest among vaccinated, infected and treated group with minimal
pathological changes recorded and highest IgE level. From the data collected,
it was found that, the efficacy of praziquantel treatment was enhanced in
vaccinated mice and that there was synergistic effect between drug treatment
and vaccination when praziquantel was given seven days post-infection
(challenge). |
