[Protective effects of leishmanial antigens against Leishmania infantum infection in Lagurus lagurus].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the protective effect of leishmanial surface antigens against experimental visceral leishmaniasis in Lagurus lagurus caused by Leishmania infantum.

METHODS

Recombinant surface protein (rGP63) and lipophosphoglycan (LPG) of Leishmania were used with Corinebacterium parum vaccine as ajuvant to immunize Lagurus lagurus against a challenge with virulent strain of Leishmania infantum. The efficacy of immunoprotection was observed.

RESULTS

When challenged with up to 2 x 10(7) promastigotes, the number of LD on the liver printing sections in the rGP63 + LPG + CP immunised animals was significantly decreased, the parasite reduction rate being 89.79%. LPG + CP gave a parasite reduction rate of 60.6% and rGP63/beta-galactosidase fusion protein + CP showed a parasite reduction rate of 42.45%. Purified rGP63 showed no protection. Immunization with rGP63 + LPG + CP followed by challenge inifection with 1 x 10(6), 5 x 10(6) and 1 x 10(7) promastigotes also showed significantly reduced infection rates.

CONCLUSIONS

A combination of rGP63 + LPG + CP antigens could provide significant immunoprotection against L. infantum challenge in L. lagurus.