PURIFICATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF THE ANTIGENS EXTRACTED FROM THE INTERMEDIATE HOSTS OF SCHISTOSOMAAND FASCIOlAAND THEIR POTENTIAL USE AS A SCHISTOSOMAL VACCINE

Abstract

Different approaches have been tried to develop an effective immunization against schistosomiasis. Many different antigens have been prepared and tested by many authors in different parts of the world. The antigens tested up till now include egg, irradiated cercanae, adult worms and snails hepatopancreas antigens.

The present work . was conducted to study the effects of crude and purified antigens extracted from B. alexandrina (intermediate host of S. mansoni), or L. cailliaudi (intermediate host of F. hepatica) on induction of immunity against infection with S. mansoni in mice .The obtained results indicated that the amount of antibodies increased in all mice groups but they were higher in mice immunized with B. alexandrina antigen (crude and purified).

The present study suggested that there IS a cross reactivity between B. alexandrina or L. cailliaudi snail extra'ctions.