Effects of immunization with purified specific proteins on the formation of secondary hydatid cysts in mice

In this study, immunoreactive proteins (8, 68 and 116 kDa) of Echinococcus granulosus metacestode stages were partially purified using isoelectrical focusing by a Rotofor cell device. Sixty Swiss albino mice were separated into three experimental and three control groups (n = 10). The mice of the three experimental groups were immunized with 8, 68 and 116 kDa purified proteins, respectively. 25 days after immunization, serum samples from each group were examined to assess immunization status by Western blotting. Protoscolices were applied intraperitoneally to control and immunized groups. By necropsy, mice were examined for cyst formation, size, number and fertility 2, 5, 8, and 10 months after experimental infection, respectively. Immunization with all three proteins was found to have a significant inhibitory effect on the metacestode formation of in mice (p < 0.001).