ACANTHOCHEILONEMA-VITEAE IN MASTOMYS-NATALENSIS - EVALUATION OF EFFICACY OF MICROFILARIAL VACCINE

The efficacy of microfilarial antigens derived from Acanthocheilonema viteae has been evaluated in normal as well as exposed animals simulating human population in filaria-endemic area. The crude antigen (CAg) or one of its Sephadex fractions (Fr. I) offered only microfilarial-stage specific resistance against challenge made with either infective larvae, microfilariae or adult parasites. Subsequent study with CAg showed better protection, including significant effect on adult parasite population, if the recipients were already carrying a prepatent infection, or displaying patent microfilaraemia or even challenged with a second exposure. SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis of microfilarial antigen revealed certain low-molecular-weight antigens to be responsible in the development of resistance against infection. The resistant sera that induced strong in vitro cellular adherence and cytotoxicity to microfilariae, transferred resistance to naive animals on passive transfer.