scholarly journals Vaccination with an Ostertagia ostertagi Polyprotein Allergen Protects Calves against Homologous Challenge Infection

2004 ◽  
Vol 72 (5) ◽  
pp. 2995-3001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabel Vercauteren ◽  
Peter Geldhof ◽  
Jozef Vercruysse ◽  
Iris Peelaers ◽  
Wim Van Den Broeck ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT As an alternative to antihelminthic drugs, we are exploiting vaccination to control infections with the abomasal nematode Ostertagia ostertagi in cattle. Our focus for vaccine targets is excretory-secretory (ES) products of this parasite. One of the most abundant antigens in larval and adult Ostertagia ES products is a protein homologous to nematode polyprotein allergens. We found that the Ostertagia polyprotein allergen (OPA) is encoded by a single-copy gene. OPA comprises three or more repeated units, and only the 15-kDa subunits are found in ES products. The native antigen is localized in the intestinal cells of third-stage larvae and in the hypodermis and cuticle of fourth-stage larvae and adult parasites. Vaccination of cattle with native OPA (nOPA) in combination with QuilA resulted in protection against Ostertagia challenge infections. The geometric mean cumulative fecal egg counts in the nOPA-vaccinated animals were reduced by 60% compared to the counts in the control group during the 2-month course of the experiment. Both male and female adult worms in nOPA-vaccinated animals were significantly shorter than the worms in the control animals. In the abomasal mucus of vaccinated animals the nOPA-specific immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and IgG2 levels were significantly elevated compared to the levels in the control animals. Reductions in the Ostertagia egg output and the length of the adult parasites were significantly correlated with IgG1 levels. IgG2 titers were only negatively associated with adult worm length. Protected animals showed no accumulation of effector cells (mast cells, globular leukocytes, and eosinophils) in the mucosa. In contrast to the native antigen, recombinant OPA expressed in Escherichia coli did not stimulate any protection.

2004 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 332-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Balmer ◽  
Michelle Falconer ◽  
Paula McDonald ◽  
Nick Andrews ◽  
Emily Fuller ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Asplenic individuals are known to be at increased risk of infection with encapsulated bacteria. Recent United Kingdom recommendations stated that this at-risk group should receive one dose of the meningococcal serogroup C conjugate (MCC) vaccine. However, the immune response of asplenic individuals to MCC vaccine is unknown. The immune response of asplenics (n = 130) to immunization with the MCC vaccine was investigated. Asplenic individuals had a significantly lower geometric mean titer (GMT) (157.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 94.5 to 263.3) of bactericidal antibody in serum (SBA) than an age-matched control group (n = 48) (1448.2; 95% CI, 751.1 to 2792.0). However, 80% of asplenic individuals achieved the proposed protective SBA titer of ≥8. No differences were observed between the two groups in the serogroup C-specific immunoglobulin G geometric mean concentration. A significant reduction in SBA GMT or the number of responders achieving an SBA titer of ≥8 was observed if the reason for splenectomy was a medical cause or if MCC vaccination occurred <10 years after splenectomy. Individuals (n = 29) who did not achieve an SBA titer of ≥16 were offered a second dose of MCC vaccine. Analysis of the SBA response revealed that 61% (14 of 23) of the individuals who received a second dose achieved a protective titer. In total, 93% of asplenic individuals achieved a titer of ≥8 following MCC vaccination (one or two doses combined). We recommend that, following vaccination of asplenics, either the level of functional antibody should be determined, with a second dose of MCC vaccine offered to nonresponders, or two doses of MCC vaccine should be routinely offered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katharina Raue ◽  
Nadja Rohdich ◽  
Daniela Hauck ◽  
Eva Zschiesche ◽  
Simone Morelli ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The feline lungworm Aelurostrongylus abstrusus affects the lower respiratory tract in cats worldwide. As infections may lead to chronic respiratory changes or even death, preventive treatment in cats with outdoor access is warranted. Methods The preventive efficacy of a spot-on solution (Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution for cats, MSD) against cat aelurostrongylosis was evaluated using three different preventive treatment regimes in a negative controlled, randomized and partially blinded laboratory efficacy study with 31 purposed-bred cats. The minimum recommended dose of 2.0 mg moxidectin + 40 mg fluralaner/kg bodyweight was applied once 12 (Group [G]1), 8 (G2) or 4 (G3) weeks before experimental infection with 300 third-stage larvae (L3) of A. abstrusus. Another group served as untreated control (G4). Individual faecal samples were analysed as of day 30 post infection (pi) to monitor larvae excretion. Necropsy was performed at days 47–50 pi. The lungs were examined macroscopically for pathological findings and (pre-)adult worms were counted to assess preventive efficacy. Results Beginning at day 32–40 pi, all cats of the control group were constantly shedding larvae of A. abstrusus, whereas only one animal of G1 excreted larvae at several consecutive days. In addition, two cats of G1 and G3 and three of G2 were positive on a single occasion. The geometric mean (GM) of the maximum number of excreted larvae was 7574.29 in the control group compared to 1.10 (G1), 1.19 (G2) and 0.53 (G3), resulting in a GM reduction of > 99.9% in all treatment groups. All lungs of the control animals showed severe or very severe alterations at necropsy, while in 94.44% of the treated cats lung pathology was rated as absent or mild. The GM number of (pre-)adult A. abstrusus retrieved from the lungs was 26.57 in the control group, 0.09 in G1 and 0.00 in G2 and G3. Thus, GM worm count reduction was 99.66% in G1 and 100% in G2 and G3. Conclusions A single application of Bravecto® Plus spot-on solution at a dose of 2.0 mg moxidectin + 40 mg fluralaner/kg bodyweight reliably prevents cat aelurostrongylosis for at least 12 weeks.


Parasitology ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 143 (10) ◽  
pp. 1279-1293 ◽  
Author(s):  
MIGUEL PEÑA-ESPINOZA ◽  
STIG M. THAMSBORG ◽  
OLIVIER DESRUES ◽  
TINA V. A. HANSEN ◽  
HEIDI L. ENEMARK

SUMMARYTwo experiments studied the effects of dietary chicory against gastrointestinal nematodes in cattle. In Experiment (Exp.) 1, stabled calves were fed chicory silage (CHI1;n= 9) or ryegrass/clover hay (CTL1;n= 6) with balanced protein/energy intakes between groups. After 16 days, all calves received 10 000Ostertagia ostertagiand 66 000Cooperia oncophorathird-stage larvae (L3) [day (D) 0 post-infection (p.i.)]. In Exp. 2, calves were assigned to pure chicory (CHI2;n=10) or ryegrass/clover (CTL2;n= 10) pastures. After 7 days, animals received 20 000O. ostertagiL3/calf (D0 p.i.) and were moved regularly preventing pasture-borne infections. Due to poor regrowth of the chicory pasture, CHI2was supplemented with chicory silage. At D40 p.i. (Exp. 1) and D35 p.i. (Exp. 2) calves were slaughtered for worm recovery. In Exp.1, fecal egg counts (FEC) were similar between groups. However,O. ostertagicounts were significantly reduced in CHI1by 60% (geometric mean;P< 0·01), whereasC. oncophoraburdens were unaffected (P= 0·12). In Exp. 2, FEC were markedly lowered in CHI2from D22 p.i onwards (P< 0·01).Ostertagia ostertagiadult burdens were significantly reduced in CHI2by 66% (P< 0·001). Sesquiterpene lactones were identified only in chicory (fresh/silage). Chicory shows promise as an anti-Ostertagiafeed for cattle and further studies should investigate its on-farm use.


2021 ◽  
Vol 95 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Benvegnú ◽  
C.C. Hermes ◽  
J.A. Guizzo ◽  
S.M. Soares ◽  
M.M. Costa ◽  
...  

Abstract This study describes changes in haematological parameters, cytokine profile, histopathology and cortisol levels in Swiss mice experimentally infected with Angiostrongylus costaricensis. Twenty-eight Swiss mice were divided into two groups (G1 and G2) of 14 animals each. In each group, eight animals were infected orally with ten third-stage larvae of A. costaricensis and six were used as a control group. The mice of groups G1 and G2 were sacrificed 14 and 24 days after infection, respectively. Samples were collected for histopathological and haematological analyses and determination of the cytokine profile and cortisol levels. Granulomatous reaction, eosinophilic infiltrate and vasculitis in the intestinal tract, pancreas, liver and spleen were observed with varying intensity in infected animals. Our results showed that the mice developed normocytic and hypochromic anaemia, and that the histopathological lesions caused by the experimental infection influenced increases in cortisol, neutrophil and monocyte levels. In addition to this, we detected increased interleukin-6 and tumour necrosis factor alpha levels in the infected animals.


BMC Medicine ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine Elizabeth Jones ◽  
Anna Calvert ◽  
Jo Southern ◽  
Mary Matheson ◽  
Nick Andrews ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Pertussis vaccines containing three or five pertussis antigens are recommended in pregnancy in many countries, but no studies have compared the effect on infants’ antigen-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) concentrations. The aim of this study was to compare anti-pertussis IgG responses following primary immunization in infants of mothers vaccinated with TdaP5-IPV (low dose diphtheria toxoid, tetanus toxoid, acellular pertussis [five antigens] and inactivated polio) or TdaP3-IPV in pregnancy (three pertussis antigens). Methods This multi-centre phase IV randomized clinical trial was conducted in a tertiary referral centre and primary care sites in England. Women were randomized to receive TdaP5-IPV (n = 77) or TdaP3-IPV (n = 77) at 28–32 gestational weeks. A non-randomized control group of 44 women who had not received a pertussis-containing vaccine in pregnancy and their 47 infants were enrolled post-partum. Results Following infant primary immunization, there was no difference in the geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) of anti-pertussis toxin, filamentous haemagglutinin or pertactin IgG between infants born to women vaccinated with TdaP5-IPV (n = 67) or TdaP3-IPV (n = 63). However, the GMC of anti-pertussis toxin IgG was lower in infants born to TdaP5-IPV- and TdaP3-IPV-vaccinated mothers compared to infants born to unvaccinated mothers (n = 45) (geometric mean ratio 0.71 [0.56–0.90] and 0.78 [0.61–0.98], respectively); by 13 months of age, this difference was no longer observed. Conclusion Blunting of anti-pertussis toxin IgG response following primary immunization occurs in infants born to women vaccinated with TdaP5-IPV and TdaP3-IPV, with no difference between maternal vaccines. The blunting effect had resolved by 13 months of age. These results may be helpful for countries considering which pertussis-containing vaccine to recommend for use in pregnancy. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02145624, registered 23 May 2014


2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 317-322 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angel Balmaseda ◽  
María G. Guzmán ◽  
Samantha Hammond ◽  
Guillermo Robleto ◽  
Carolina Flores ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT To evaluate alternative approaches to the serological diagnosis of dengue virus (DEN) infection, the detection of DEN-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgA antibodies in serum and saliva specimens was assessed in 147 patients with symptoms of DEN infection seen at the Ministry of Health in Nicaragua. Seventy-two serum samples were determined to be positive for anti-DEN antibodies by IgM capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, the routine diagnostic procedure. Serum and saliva specimens were obtained from 50 healthy adults as additional controls. IgM was detected in the saliva of 65 of the 72 serum IgM-positive cases, 6 of the 75 serum IgM-negative cases, and none of the control group, resulting in a sensitivity of 90.3% and a specificity of 92.0% and demonstrating that salivary IgM is a useful diagnostic marker for DEN infection. Detection of IgA in serum may be another feasible alternative for the diagnosis of DEN infection, with serum IgA found in 68 (94.4%) of the IgM-positive cases. In contrast, detection of IgA in saliva was not found to be a useful tool for DEN diagnosis in the present study. Further studies of the kinetics of antibody detection in another set of 151 paired acute- and convalescent-phase serum samples showed that DEN-specific IgA antibodies were detected in more acute-phase samples than were IgM antibodies. Thus, we conclude that DEN-specific IgA in serum is a potential diagnostic target. Furthermore, given that saliva is a readily obtainable, noninvasive specimen, detection of DEN-specific salivary IgM should be considered a useful, cheaper diagnostic modality with similar sensitivity and specificity to IgM detection in serum.


2005 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 426-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benoît Levesque ◽  
Jean-François Duchesne ◽  
Suzanne Gingras ◽  
Pierre Allard ◽  
Edgar Delvin ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Respiratory disease is a major cause of morbidity in young people. It is now recognized that atopy plays an important role in the development of chronic respiratory symptoms in children.OBJECTIVE: To examine the determinants and consequences of serum total and specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) in a general population sample of Québec children and adolescents.METHODS: In 1999, 2349 children and adolescents (nine, 13 or 16 years of age) who had participated in a respiratory symptom and disease questionnaire had their total IgE measured. Of these participants, a subsample of 451 children and adolescents was analyzed to detect antibodies to eight specific allergens (ie, allergens of dust mites [Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus], cat, dog, ragweed, Timothy grass, mould [alternaria] and cockroach).RESULTS: The geometric mean of the total IgE was 44.4 U/mL among all participants. Concentrations were higher in boys and increased with age. More than 41% of the participants were sensitized to at least one specific allergen. Such sensitization was strongly associated with the occurrence of respiratory conditions and symptoms, namely asthma, wheezing and rhinitis. Family history, school location and ethnic origin had an impact on the prevalence of atopy and total IgE levels.CONCLUSIONS: Allergic sensitization is a major determinant in the development of asthma, wheezing and rhinitis in children and adolescents in the province of Québec.


Blood ◽  
1983 ◽  
Vol 61 (6) ◽  
pp. 1045-1053 ◽  
Author(s):  
BB Lozzio ◽  
EA Machado ◽  
J Mitchell ◽  
CB Lozzio ◽  
CJ Wust ◽  
...  

Abstract Six human hematopoetic cell lines were successfully heterotransplanted into athymic (nude) and asplenic-athymic (lasat) neonatal mice. The tumors arising from leukemia and lymphoma cells could then be serially transplanted into adult nude mice. Seven days after the fourth serial mouse passage, each mouse was treated with goat immune gamma globulin against K-562 cells. One control group was treated similarly, but with nonimmune (normal) gamma globulin, while another control group was not treated. The goat gamma globulin was not toxic for nude and lasat mice, and the immune, but not the normal, gamma globulin suppressed local subcutaneous growth of myelosarcomas, lymphosarcomas, and Burkitt lymphoma cells. On the other hand, the growth of lung, breast, and prostatic carcinomas and a melanoma of human origin were not altered by the immune gamma globulin. Since suppression of cell growth occurred equally well in decomplemented mice, a complement-mediated cytotoxicity apparently cannot be considered as responsible for the abrogation. The Fab fragment of the immunoglobulin did not suppress the growth of the myelosarcomas. We conclude that antibody suppression of the in vivo proliferation was specific for malignant hematopoietic cells and that the Fc portion of IgG is necessary for in vivo cytolysis of leukemia cells. The most probable mechanisms are direct antibody cytolysis and antibody-dependent macrophage-mediated cytotoxicity.


2003 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-55 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariane Ponzio de Azevedo Galvão ◽  
Cassiano Kuchenbecker Rösing ◽  
Maria Beatriz Cardoso Ferreira

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of ligature-induced periodontal disease in pregnant rats on their newborn's health parameters. Twenty-four female adult Wistar rats were divided into two groups: the control group (G1) and the group that was submitted to dental ligatures around second upper molars (G2). After the four week period of development of periodontitis, the female animals were mated with male adult Wistar rats. There were no differences in the body weight of females between the two groups during mating and pregnancy. No differences were observed among the groups in relation to the viable newborn index. However, there were differences in newborn birth weight, explained by the diverse size of the litters. In this study, ligature-induced periodontal disease did not promote changes during pregnancy that resulted in low birth weight in newborn Wistar rats.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua Qin ◽  
Xiuqiong Hu

Objective: To explore the nursing effects of medical treatment combination on patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers at rural homes. Methods: From January 2018 to December 2018, 86 patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers at rural homes who were in Wenjiang Hospital were randomly divided into a control group and an observed group. The control group received the routine publicity and education and visiting, while the observed group adopted the cooperative nursing model of medical treatment combination. Then compare the healing status and nursing satisfaction of the two groups. Results: Of the 43 patients with pressure ulcers in the observed group, 18 had been in the second stage of pressure ulcers and 16 had been healed; 14 had been in the third stage of pressure ulcers and 8 had been healed; 11 had been in the fourth stage of pressure ulcers and 5 had been healed. The nursing satisfaction of the patients in the observed group was 95.35%. Conclusion: Conducting medical treatment combination on patients at high risk of developing pressure ulcers at rural homes can effectively improve the patients’ and their families’ awareness of pressure ulcer nursing, standardize their nursing behaviour, help recover the patients themselves and promote the patients’ satisfaction.


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