Homologous and heterologous immunization against the metacestodes ofTaenia saginata andTaenia taeniaeformis in cattle and mice

Abstract

Cattle and mice were immunized against infection withTaenia saginata andTaenia taeniaeformis, respectively, using antigens obtained from both homologous and heterologous species of cestodes. Mice were protected against infection withT. taeniaeformis when they were immunized intramuscularly or orally with either a somatic antigen extracted from the metacestodes or an excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen collected during the in vitro culture of oncospheres ofT. taeniaeformis. Also, the intramuscular or oral immunization of mice with the E/S antigens from the oncospheres ofT. saginata was highly effective in inducing protection against infection withT. taeniaeformis, as was intramuscular immunization with a somatic antigen extracted from the metacestodes ofTaenia crassiceps and prior infection with viable metacestodes ofT. crassiceps. Furthermore, three-month-old calves developed a protective immunity against infection withT. saginata when they were immunized intramuscularly with the E/S products of oncospheres of the homologous parasite or a heterologous parasite,T. taeniaeformis. In addition, the E/S products of the heterologous parasite,T. taeniaeformis, as well as the homologous parasite,T. saginata, were highly effective when used to immunize pregnant heifers, either intramuscularly or via the intramammary route, resulting in a passive transfer of immunity againstT. saginata to newborn calves.