Snake envenomation in cats and its detection by rapid immunoassay

Objective To determine the usefulness of a snake venom detection kit (SVDK) in the management of envenomed cats.
Design A clinical study.  

Animals

Twenty-two cats were investigated.
Procedure Cats injected subcutaneously with approximately 0.25 or 1.0 lethal dose (LD) of tiger snake venom or 1 or 4 LD of brown snake venom were observed for clinical symptoms of envenomation at intervals over the ensuring 24 to 48 hours(h). Blood and urine samples were taken at regular intervals and assayed in a quantitative laboratory assay for snake venoms. Selected samples were assayed in parallel in a rapid, semi-quantitative SVDK.
Results The studies showed that it was important to estimate the elapsed time from envenomation to presentation. If this time was less than 8 h, blood was the most appropriate sample and a negative result should exclude serious envenomation. If the elapsed time exceeded 8 h, it was essential that urine be sampled. Venom levels in urine were high at 8 h and approached the level of test sensitivity over 24 to 48 h; however by this time clinical signs were obvious in endangered cats.  

Conclusions

Careful use of the SVDK is a valuable aid in the management of a potentially envenomed cat.     

Thymic lymphosarcoma of T cell lineage in a koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Objective To diagnose and characterise thymic lymphosarcoma in a koala.
Design A pathological case.  

Animal

Seven-year-old female koala.
Procedure The neoplastic process was investigated macroscopically, haematologically, histologically and immunohistologically.
Results The koala had difficulty swallowing because of a medial swelling in the lower neck. Biopsy of this mass and blood examination revealed lymphosarcoma with a leukaemic manifestation; necropsy and histopathological examination showed the mass to be thymus. Palatine tonsils, cervical, axillary and mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, liver, gut, bronchi, genitalia and bone marrow were infiltrated by neoplastic cells. Immunohistological staining of the thymic mass, cervical and mesenteric lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen and gut revealed the neoplastic cells to be of T lymphocyte origin (positive for both anti-human CD3 and CD5).  

Conclusions

It is speculated that the neoplastic process originated in the thymus and was disseminated by bloodborne neoplastic cells: This first report of thymic lymphosarcoma in a marsupial confirms that antibodies raised originally to investigate human lymphoid neoplasia can cross-react with neoplastic lymphocytes in koalas.     

Residues from long-acting antimicrobial preparations in injection sites in cattle

Objective To investigate tissue residues of two longacting oxytetracycline (OTC) preparations in cattle.
Design A randomised drug residue trial.  

Animals

Two hundred and forty beef cattle in 24 groups of ten.
Procedure Two blind-coded 200 mg/mL OTC preparations were used in five treatment regimens of various combinations of injection sites (from one to five) and administrations (one or two). Five cattle from each group were slaughtered at 21, 30 and 60 days after injection and the injection site, urine, kidney and diaphragm muscle analysed for residues.
Results The OTC concentration exceeded the maximum residue limit in kidney in animals slaughtered 21 days after treatment, which is the prescribed withholding period. Concentration at the injection site was much greater than the maximum residue limit 30 days post-treatment, but not 45 days post-treatment. The residue was smaller when OTC had been injected in multiple sites. There was no difference between the two OTC preparations.
Conclusion A review of the maximum injection volume, site of injection and the withholding period is needed for long-acting OTC formulations.     

Proctitis associated with chlamydial infection in a koala

Objective To describe proctitis associated with chlamydial infection in a koala.
Design A pathological study  

Animal

A free living, male koala aged 17 years.
Procedure Rectum was examined histologically and chlamydial organisms visualised using Giminez stain and an immunoperoxidase staining method using an anti- Chlamydia lipopolysaccharide (genus specific) antibody.
Results An aged koala presented for euthanasia was found to have asymptomatic chronic proctitis, cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis and conjunctivitis associated with chlamydial infection. Inflammation was severe in the terminal rectum and extended into the proximal common vestibule. Chlamydial organisms were visualised in the rectal surface epithelium using Giminez stain and an immunoperoxidase staining method. Organisms were also detected in the epithelium of the bladder, prostate and urethra.  

Clinical Implications

Possible modes of transmission for the rectal infection are direct sexual transmission or ascending infection by organisms shed from the urogenital tract into the common vestibule. Previously unreported chlamydial proctitis in the koala may represent a potential reservoir of infection for other koalas.     

Life Threatening Complication Associated with Anesthesia in a Dog with Masticatory Muscle Myositis

Objective— To report a serious complication in a dog with masticatory muscle myositis (MMM) that occurred during general anesthesia for diagnostic testing.
Study Design— Case report.
Animals— A 2-year-old male Pug.
Methods— MMM was diagnosed in a Pug with a 2-week history of trismus by electrodiagnostics, histopathology, and 2M antibody test. During anesthesia tongue protrusion occurred and because of trismus, an inability to reposition the tongue resulted in venous congestion and severe swelling. Forceful physical attempts and subsequent removal of the rostral digastricus and masseter muscle attachments from the mandible did not increase jaw mobility. Mandibular symphysiotomy was necessary to resolve lingual venous congestion and to reposition the tongue into the oral cavity.
Results— Tongue swelling rapidly subsided after symphysiotomy allowing the tongue to be repositioned into the oral cavity. After treatment of MMM with corticosteroids, jaw range of motion improved and at 6 months was ∼70% normal.
Conclusions— Trismus could not be overcome by detachment of the masseter and digastricus muscle insertions from the mandible, and symphysiotomy was required to reposition the tongue in the oral cavity.  

Clinical Relevance—

In dogs with MMM, tongue position should be monitored during anesthesia to avoid inadvertent protrusion and swelling from venous congestion. Use of anesthetic monitoring equipment on the tongue, such as a pulse oximeter probe, should be avoided in these patients.     

Ischaemia/Reperfusion Injury in Experimentally Induced Abomasal Volvulus in Sheep

The purpose of the study was to evaluate ischaemia/reperfusion injury in simulated abomasal volvulus in sheep. Sixteen ewes were randomly allocated to three groups. The control group (n = 4) served as sham-operated controls. The animals of the ischaemia group and reperfusion group (n = 6, each) underwent a simulated ‘abomasal volvulus’. The abomasum was exteriorized under general inhalation anasthesia and forced into a 180^∘ anticlockwise rotation around its longitudinal axis, followed by another 270^∘ anticlockwise rotation around its transectional axis. All ewes were monitored for 4 h. In the reperfusion group, volvulus was released after 3 h (i.e., 1 h of reperfusion). In the ischaemia group, the volvulus remained for 4 h (no reperfusion). Vital signs were monitored and some haematological and biochemical parameters were measured, without any significant differences. Full-section biopsy specimens were taken at the 3rd and 4th hours from the greater curvature of the abomasum. Histopathological lesions were scored according to the severity of mucosal oedema, submucosal oedema, haemorrhage submucosal and submuscularis layers, and polymorphonuclear infiltration on a scale of 0 to 4 (nil, mild, moderate, severe, and extreme). Another biopsy specimen was taken at the 4th hour for transmission electron microscopic examination. The scored lesions in light-microscopic examination were significantly different at the 3rd and 4th hours between the control and the experimental groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference between the reperfusion and ischaemia groups (p>0.1). Within-group comparisons (3rd hour with 4th hour) revealed no significant differences. In transmission electron microscopic examination there were no remarkable changes in the control group, but in the ischaemia and reperfusion groups there were remarkable cellular (epithelial and goblet cells), mitochondrial and microvillous changes that strongly implied the occurrence of ischaemia (p<0.05). In transmission electron-microscopic examination of abomasal samples the lesions were more remarkable in reperfusion group than in the ischaemia group. It is concluded that ischaemia/reperfusion injury occurred in this model of simulated abomasal volvulus in sheep and that ischaemia/reperfusion injury should be considered as a potential determining factor in the outcome of cattle with abomasal volvulus.     

Development of a toxin-binding agent as a treatment for tunicaminyluracil toxicity: protection against tunicamycin poisoning of sheep

Objective To assess the ability of certain derivatives of beta-cyclodextrin to treat sheep affected by tunicaminyluracil toxicity, using tunicamycin poisoning as a model system.
Design Controlled treatment trial.
Animals One hundred and sixty Merino wethers were used in the studies.
Procedure Groups of sheep were experimentally poisoned with tunicamycin. Derivatives of beta-cyclodextrin, with or without magnesium sulphate and magnesium gluconate, were administered to treatment groups daily for 2 to 3 days. Treatment groups were compared with untreated groups in terms of survival.
Results A significant increase in survival was observed following treatment of tunicamycin-affected sheep with hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPb -CD) and magnesium sulphate in solution (P < 0.05). In subsequent trials, formula tion of the cyclodextrin in the form of a magnesium gluconate gel suspension demonstrated significant protection (P < 0.01) and was equally as effective as the cyclodextrin in solution, but required half the frequency of administration, even when the treatment was not commenced until 24 h after the final toxin dose. Beta-cyclodextrin-epichlorohydrin copolymer also improved the survival rate. After toxin administration, the sheep lost significantly less weight if treatment with HPb -CD was commenced early (P < 0.001).
Conclusion Protection studies using these two beta-cyclodextrin derivatives suggest that they may be effective in increasing the survival of sheep poisoned by tunicamycin and warrant further testing in field outbreaks of annual ryegrass toxicity.     

Induction of peritoneal adhesions with small intestinal ischaemia and distention in the foal

Twenty-two foals were divided into groups of intestinal distension and intestinal ischaemia as methods to induce peritoneal adhesions. In the first group, the lumen of a segment of distal small intestine was occluded without extramural vascular compromise and distended with lactated Ringer's solution to a constant pressure of 25 cm H2O for 2 h within the abdomen. The ischaemic group underwent 70 mins total vascular occlusion of identical segments of bowel. Serosal biopsies were obtained before and after each experimental procedure and following 60 mins of reperfusion. Similar biopsies were harvested from a control group of foals with no bowel occlusions. The foals were destroyed 10 days after surgery and tissues collected for histological and ultrastructural evaluation. Experimental and control mesothelial surfaces were denuded histologically immediately after experimental occlusions. Serosal oedema and cellular infiltration were observed following reperfusion of the ischaemic segments but were present immediately after 2 h of distension. All foals had developed bowel-to-bowel and bowel-to-mesentery adhesions of the experimental segments. Control foals under 30 days old exhibited mesenteric contraction and thickening of the isolated segment whereas those older than 30 days had little or no mesenteric thickening or contraction. Histologically, in the experimental segments, fibrous tissue had formed on the outer boundary of the original serosa, and new mesothelial-like cells were present on the surface of fibrous tissue in some areas. Some serosal fibrosis was also seen in most of the control segments.     

Detection of calprotectin and its correlation to the accumulation of neutrophils within equine large colon during ischaemia and reperfusion

REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The cytosolic protein complex, calprotectin, is abundant in neutrophils and could be used to improve the ability to localise and assess neutrophil infiltration in the equine intestine during ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R), but further study is required. OBJECTIVES: To assess the number of calprotectin-containing cells by immunohistochemistry in correlation with direct counting and scoring of neutrophils in the equine colon during I/R. METHODS: One and 2 h ischaemia of the left dorsal colon were induced, followed by 30 min reperfusion under general anaesthesia or by 18 h reperfusion after anaesthetic recovery. Biopsies were processed for light microscopy and stained with H/E for detection of neutrophils. To identify calprotectin-containing cells, immunohistochemistry was performed on formalin-fixed tissues with the murine MAC 387 antibody and a biotin-free peroxidase staining procedure. The number of neutrophils within submucosal venules and the colonic mucosa were calculated and compared with the number of calprotectin-positive cells. RESULTS: The number of calprotectin-positive cells within submucosal venules and within the colonic mucosa correlated significantly with the accumulation of neutrophils within the corresponding tissue segments. Within the submucosal venules, both calprotectin-positive cells and H/E-stained neutrophils increased with duration of ischaemia and peaked after 30 min of reperfusion. After 18 h reperfusion the number of these cells declined within the vessels. After 2 h ischaemia, neutrophils started to migrate into the mucosa towards the epithelium, with a significant increase over time during reperfusion, and peak infiltration after 18 h reperfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Neutrophil infiltration into the colon after I/R is a time-dependent process, involving migration through the submucosa towards the epithelium.     

Plasma endotoxin concentration in horses: a methods study

Background: Accurate determination of plasma endotoxin concentration is critical for ex vivo and in vitro cellular and molecular studies of endotoxemia in horses. However, reports are conflicting with respect to anticoagulant, handling, and sample preparation.

Objective:

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of blood sample fraction and handling time on measurement of endotoxin concentration in horses.

Methods:

Methods: Whole blood, anticoagulated with 3.8% (0.12 M) sodium citrate (9:1), was collected from 5 healthy horses. Whole blood (WB), platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-poor plasma (PPP) were spiked with endotoxin (2 EU/mL). Endotoxin-spiked WB samples were centrifuged immediately to generate PRP for measurement. Endotoxin concentration was subsequently measured by Limulus amebocyte assay at 0, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes. Assays were performed in triplicate and results were analyzed using Student's t -test, with significance set at P < .05.

Results:

Results: Mean endotoxin concentrations in 2 EU/mL-spiked WB were significantly different from those in PPP at all time points tested. Recovery of endotoxin in PRP generated from WB was significantly diminished after just 15 minutes.

Conclusion:

Conclusion: PRP generated from WB is significantly more reliable than PPP in determining endotoxin concentration ex vivo. Measurement of endotoxin in PRP generated from WB was significantly diminished after 15 min, identifying a time frame within which to process blood samples for endotoxin analysis.     

A comparison of haemodynamic and vasoconstrictory responses in sheep with a toxic fraction from Pachystigma pygmaeum and with the plant material

ST-segment changes in the ECG, which are an indication of acute myocardial ischaemia, are obtained when a small quantity of an extract from dried Pachystigma pygmaeum is injected intravenously in sheep. When the fraction was injected subcutaneously, animals reached a crisis after about 5 h, with low values of stroke volumes and high values for pulmonary arterial pressures, pulmonary vascular resistances and heart rates. The haemodynamic changes are an indication of the development of pump failure of the heart. In sheep, injected subcutaneously with the toxic fraction, as well as for sheep dosed with plant material through rumen fistula, increased serum levels for thromboxane and increased or decreased levels for prostacycline were observed. The experimental results are interpreted as being an indication that these prostaglandines may be involved in the development of gousiekte by impeding cardiopulmonary function as a result of coronary and pulmonary vasoconstriction. The sudden death observed in some gousiekte sheep may be due to myocardial ischaemia and associated arrhythmias.     

Canine and feline hematology reference values for the ADVIA 120 hematology system

Background: The ADVIA 120 is a laser-based hematology analyzer with software applications for animal species. Accurate reference values would be useful for the assessment of new hematologic parameters and for interlaboratory comparisons.

Objective:

Objective: The goal of this study was to establish reference intervals for CBC results and new parameters for RBC morphology, reticulocytes, and platelets in healthy dogs and cats using the ADVIA 120 hematology system.

Methods:

Methods: The ADVIA 120, with multispecies software (version 1.107-MS), was used to analyze whole blood samples from clinically healthy dogs (n=46) and cats (n=61). Data distribution was determined and reference intervals were calculated as 2.5 to 97.5 percentiles and 25 to 75 percentiles.

Results:

Results: Most data showed Gaussian or log-normal distribution. The numbers of RBCs falling outside the normocyticnormochromic range were slightly higher in cats than in dogs. Both dogs and cats had reticulocytes with low, medium, and high absorbance. Mean numbers of large platelets and platelet clumps were higher in cats compared with dogs.

Conclusions:

Conclusions: Reference intervals obtained on the ADVIA 120 provide valuable baseline information for assessing new hematologic parameters and for interlaboratory comparisons. Differences compared with previously published reference values can be attributed largely to differences in methodology.     

Efficacy of ivermectin controlled-release capsules for the control and prevention of nasal bot infestations in sheep

Objective To investigate the therapeutic and prophylactic efficacy of an ivermectin controlled-release capsule against nasal bots (Oestrus ovis) in sheep.
Design Trial 1 – A pen study with controls. Trial 2 – A field study with controls.
Animals Trial 1 – Forty Merino wethers with natural infestations of nasal bot were used. Trial 2 – One hundred nasal bot-free wethers were used.
Procedure Trial 1 – Ten randomly selected animals were slaughtered and the heads split and examined to confirm bot infestation. Fifteen animals were allocated to untreated controls and 15 to treatment with a controlled-release capsule delivering ivermectin at ≥ 20 μg/kg/day for 100 days. Twenty-nine days after treatment the sheep were killed and examined for nasal bots. Trial 2 – Nasal bot-free sheep were allocated to two groups of 45 animals. One group was untreated the other sheep were treated with capsules as above. The sheep were grazed as a single group exposed to natural challenge from O ovis . Ninety days after treatment the animals were slaughtered and examined for nasal bot infestation.
Results Trial 1 – Live O ovis larvae were recovered from 60% of control sheep. No live larvae were collected from treated sheep. Trial 2 – Forty-one percent of untreated sheep harbored nasal bot infestations. No live larvae were collected from any treated animal.
Conclusion Treatment with a single ivermectin controlled-release capsule was 100% effective against existing infestations of O ovis and as a prophylactic treatment for this parasite.     

A serological survey of Akabane virus infection in cattle and sheep in northwest China

Purpose

Akabane disease characterized mainly by fetal damage is a ruminant disease caused by insect-transmitted Akabane virus infection.

Methods

We investigated Akabane disease using serum neutralization tests in 446 blood samples collected from 187 cattle and 259 sheep of Xinjiang province, northwest China.

Results

(1) The overall prevalence rate of neutralizing antibody was 19.06?% (85/446), (2) the prevalence rates of Akabane disease in cattle and sheep were 20.32?% (38/187) and 18.15?% (47/259), respectively, (3) the disease prevalence rates were not significantly different between cattle and sheep, but significantly different among samples collected from different sampling months, (4) the disease was most prevalent in July when mosquitoes and culicoides were most active, and (5) the disease prevalence rates were significantly different between individuals with abortion experience and without abortion experience (P?<?0.05), suggesting that Akabane virus infection may significantly increase abortion risk in cattle and sheep.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first report confirming that Akabane virus infection is common in cattle and sheep of Xinjiang province, northwest China and providing useful epidemiological information for cattle and sheep abortion prevention and control.     

The Effects of Ischemia and Reperfusion on Mucosal Respiratory Function, Adenosine Triphosphate, Electrolyte, and Water Content in the Ascending Colon of Ponies

Objective- The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ischemia and reperfusion on the biochemical integrity of equine colonic mucosa to assess the relative roles of ischemic- and reperfusion-induced damage.
Study Design- Two hours of no-flow ischemia experimentally induced by 720° counterclockwise ascending colon volvulus followed by 2 hours reperfusion after derotation.
Animals- Ten ponies.
Methods- Ascending colon biopsies were obtained every hour for measurement of mucosal adenosine triphosphate (ATP), water, sodium, and potassium content. Additional samples were homogenized for assay of mitochondrial respiratory function.
Results- ATP content diminished 92% after ischemia and recovered to only 44% of control levels ( P <.001 versus controls) after 2 hours reperfusion. Reperfusion increased mucosal water and decreased sodium and potassium content for the duration of the experiment. Both NADH- (pyruvate) and FADH-linked (succinate) respiration decreased after ischemia and did not recover during reperfusion indicating electron transport chain dysfunction.
Conclusions- Two hours ischemia induced severe metabolic dysfunction in equine colon mucosa which persisted throughout reperfusion. Unequivocal evidence of injury specific to reperfusion was not observed in this study suggesting that much of the damage observed during reperfusion may be a continuation of injury induced during the ischemic period and not specific to reperfusion per se.
Clinical Relevance- This study suggests that greater efforts to metabolically support ischemically injured mucosa may be an important aspect of obtaining improved survival of horses affected by ascending colon volvulus (ACV).     

Effect of Ischemia and Reperfusion on Neutrophil Accumulation in Equine Microvascular Tissue Flaps

Objective— To investigate neutrophil accumulation after ischemia and reperfusion (IR) in microvascular tissue flaps in horses.
Study Design— Randomized controlled experiment.
Sample Population— A total of 8 horses between 1 and 10 years of age, 4 of each sex.
Methods— Control and experimental myocutaneous island flaps based on the superficial branch of the deep circumflex iliac vessels were dissected on each horse. Atraumatic vascular clamps were applied to the pedicle of the experimental flap for 90 minutes and then removed to allow reperfusion. Based on the assumption that rapid infiltration of neutrophils into affected tissues is a hallmark of IR injury, radiolabeled autogenous leukocytes were used to indirectly quantify neutrophil accumulation in flap tissues. Labeled leukocytes were administered through a jugular catheter 30 minutes before flap reperfusion. Biopsies were collected from each flap over a 6 hour postischemia time period; in group 1 (  n = 4  ) from 0 to 6 hours postischemia, and in group 2 (  n = 4  ) from 24 to 30 hours postischemia. Biopsies were examined scintigraphically and histologically for evidence of neutrophil infiltration.
Results— All control flaps survived and 6 of 8 experimental flaps survived. There was no significant evidence of acute neutrophil infiltration into flap tissues after reperfusion in either group.
Conclusions— The results of this study suggest that equine myocutaneous flap tissues can survive a 90-minute ischemic period and reperfusion. No significant evidence of the occurrence of IR injury in flap tissues was found.
Clinical Relevance— The reasons for the previously reported failures of equine free tissue transfer remain uncertain, but they do not appear to be caused by neutrophil mediated injury associated with ischemia and reperfusion.     

Effect of choline chloride premedication on xylazine-induced hypoxaemia in sheep

Objective

To determine the anti-inflammatory efficacy of choline in vivo and in vitro and to investigate the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of choline.

Efficacy of a novel copper-based footbath preparation for the treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period

Objective: To determine the efficacy of a novel copper based footbath preparation (CHF-1020) for treatment of ovine footrot during the spread period.
Design: A series of field trials with treated and control groups run together.
Animals: Mobs of at least 125 sheep on each of six properties in southern New South Wales with equal numbers of controls.
Procedure: Sheep of group A were treated after minimal paring by making them stand in CHF-1020 for 15 minutes. Treatment was undertaken at intervals throughout the period of the trials (14 September to 17 December 1993). Group A sheep were run on the same pasture as those from group B (untreated sheep).
Results: The percentage of sheep exhibiting clinical signs of ovine footrot at the start of the trial ranged from 35 to 88% at score 3 or higher, using a 0 to 5 footscoring system. During the trial, the percentage of infected sheep (greater or equal to score 2) in group B increased and ranged from 40 to 90%. The level of infected sheep in group A on each property was reduced progressively to 1 to 16%. Cure rates of 45 to 94% were achieved, with the lowest rate being on a property with a metal footbath. The next lowest cure rate was 73%. Results indicated that treatment should be undertaken at 2-weekly intervals while spread continues. Treated sheep can be returned to contaminated pastures.
Conclusion: CHF-1020 is effective during the spread period and can be used for the progressive eradication of ovine footrot.     

An hypothesis on the etio-pathogenesis of equine inflammatory joint disease

The role of oxygen-derived free radicals is considered critical to the etio-pathogenesis of equine inflammatory joint disease. In vivo, the superoxide radical in the joint may be derived either from activated polymorphonuclear leukocytes or from an ischemia/reperfusion cycle. In the presence of ferrous iron, it may generate the highly reactive hydroxyl radical (OH *). Predisposing factors may include synovitis, exercise-induced ischemia and minor traumatic injury to the joints. Unlike other inflammatory mediators, oxygen-derived free radicals may damage tissue directly and these reactive species could account for the tissue injury and insidious onset of equine exercise-induced degenerative joint disease.     

Immunoprotection of recombinant <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eg</Emphasis>.P29 against <Emphasis Type="Italic">Echinococcus granulosus</Emphasis> in sheep

Objective

This study aims to investigate the immunoprotection of recombinant Eg.P29 (rEg.P29) vaccine and analyze the underlying mechanism in sheep.

Methods

Three groups of male sheep were immunized subcutaneously with rEg.P29 and PBS, Freund’s complete adjuvant as controls, respectively. After prime-boost vaccination, the sheep were challenged with encapsulated Echinococcus granulosus eggs. The percentage of protection in sheep was determined 36 weeks after the infection. Humoral immune response was analyzed for specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, IgM and IgE levels. Moreover, cytokines including interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4,and IL-10 were also evaluated.

Results

Immunization with rEg.P29 induced protective immune responses up to 94.5 %, compared with immunoadjuvant group. The levels of specific IgG, IgG1, IgG2, and IgE as well as IFN-γ, IL-2, and IL-4 significantly increased after two immunizations (P < 0.05); however, the levels of IgM and IL-10 did not show difference.

Conclusion

rEg.P29 showed Immunoprotection and induced Th1 and Th2 immune responses; hence, rEg.P29 is a potential vaccine for E. granulosus infection.