Science, Vol 212, Issue 4502, 1518-1520
Copyright © 1981 by American Association for the Advancement of Science
Immunization of Baboons with Schistosoma mansoni Cercariae attenuated by gamma irradiation
M F Stek,
P Minard,
DA Dean,
and
JE Hall
Studies on the efficacy of a vaccine against schistosomiasis in young baboons (Papio anubis) disclosed that immunization with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae attenuated by gamma irradiation induced significant protection against subsequent infection with normal, viable S. mansoni cercariae. Such immunization resulted in reduced worm burdens (70 percent) and egg excretion rates (82 percent). These results support immunization as a potential method for schistosomiasis control.