Protective effect of Eimeria stiedae coproantigen against hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits
Abdel Megeed, K.N.; Abuel Ezz, N.M.T.; Abdel-Rahman, E.H.
Journal of the Egyptian Society of Parasitology 35(2): 581-595
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 1110-0583 PMID: 16083069 Document Number: 588636
Immunization of rabbits against hepatic coccidiosis was tried. The animals were immunized twice with Eimeria stiedae [Eimeria stiedai], coproantigen in freund's adjuvant with two week intervals. The rabbits were challenged orally with sporulated E. stiedai oocysts one week post last injection. Protection was assessed by the number of oocyst output, number of focal liver lesions, clinical signs and antibody response. Immunization resulted in protection from infection (70%) and a decline in oocyst count. A higher level of IgG response was noted in immunized rabbits than in controls. Electrophoretic make up of the coproantigen and oocyst antigen showed different patterns of separation. Common and specific bands were identified for each antigen. Using rabbit sera after 3 weeks post vaccination in immunoblot assay, immunogenic components were detected of molecular weight 155, 103, 74, 66, 44, and 22 kD with coproantigen and 155, 115, 57, and 26 kD with oocyst antigen. Rabbit sera, 2 and 4 weeks post challenge, reacted with oocysts antigen in immunoblot assay, revealing immunogenic bands of molecular weights 155, 115, 57, 26, and 22 kD and 155, 115, 57, and 25 kD. Bands of 22 kD and 155 kD were partially responsible for eliciting host protective immune response.