Vaccination against fascioliasis using homologous and Schistosoma mansoni derived glutathione S-transferases

ABSTRACT

Schistosoma mansoni glutathione S-transferase [SmGST] and Fasciola gigantica glutathione S-transferase [FgGST] were purified from adult worms homogenate by affinity chromatography. An assessment of both SmGST and FgGST as candidate vaccines was done by comparing vaccinated guinea pigs groups challenged with F. gigantica metacercariae with the control group in terms of worm load, pathological changes in liver tissue and the survival rate of the animals. A decrease in mortality rate was best reported with FgGST 15 ug dose, while no significant decrease in worm load was reported with any vaccination. The pathological changes in liver tissue of vaccinated and non- vaccinated animals were similar