Vaccination against congenital toxoplasmosis

ABSTRACT

Different types of Toxoplasma gondii vaccines were evaluated using parasitological and histopathological means to induce immunity in Swiss pregnant mice and their pups against the challenge with virulent RH strain. Immunization was performed before mating by using live cyst vaccines [LCV], LCV-IL-2 combination, irradiated cyst vaccine [ICV] and ICV-IL-2 combination. It was demonstrated that pre- immunization with the current vaccines offered a significant protection of both dams and pups. The highest level of protection was noticed in mice received LCV-IL2, followed by ICV-IL-2, then LCV and the least protection was elicited in dams immunized with ICV alone. The results revealed the possibility of applying such accines, not only in mice but also in other mammalian hosts including humans