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Vaccines against Theileria parva
1International Livestock Research Institute, P.O. Box 30709, Nairobi, Kenya. S.Morzaria@cgiar.org
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|February 24, 2001
Summary
Bovine theileriosis is a significant economic issue in Africa. Researchers are developing new vaccines, including a recombinant sporozoite antigen vaccine, to combat this tick-borne disease.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Bovine theileriosis, caused by *Theileria parva*, poses a major economic threat in Africa.
- Current control relies on unsustainable acaricides, driving the need for alternative methods.
- Existing live vaccines face adoption challenges due to issues with live parasite use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate alternative control strategies for bovine theileriosis.
- To develop and test a novel recombinant vaccine against *Theileria parva*.
- To explore antigens for a sustainable and effective theileriosis vaccine.
Main Methods:
- Development of an experimental recombinant vaccine using a sporozoite surface antigen (p67).
- Laboratory immunization studies to assess antibody induction and protection against needle challenge.
- Ongoing field trials in Kenya to evaluate vaccine efficacy under natural challenge conditions.
- Investigation into schizont antigens for cell-mediated immune responses.
Main Results:
- Immunization with the p67 antigen induced neutralizing antibodies.
- Laboratory tests showed approximately 70% protection in immunized cattle against needle challenge.
- Field efficacy is currently under evaluation in Kenya.
Conclusions:
- A recombinant vaccine targeting the p67 sporozoite antigen shows promise but may require further development.
- A single-antigen vaccine might not be sufficient for sustainable field control.
- Future vaccines are expected to combine multiple antigens from both sporozoite and schizont stages for robust immunity against bovine theileriosis.