Studies on the immunological effects of nucleo-proteins isolated from different stages of biomphalaria alexandrina snails on schistosomiasis

ABSTRACT

The purpose of the present study was to find out the role of certain nucleoproteins isolated from different stages of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails in immunity of albino mice against infections with Schistosoma mansoni. These isolated nucleoproteins were used as native nucleoproteins or as physically modified by UV-irradiation. It was found that physically modified antigens have a pronounced effect on reduction of schistosoma egg laying and reduced the number of schistosoma worms in infected mice more than native nucleoproteins. Moreover, the presence of antibodies in sera of infected mice which immunized with physically modified antigens of mature stage gave an indication about the high efficiency of this antigen