Vaccination against Trichinella spiralis in mice using antigens from different isolates

Antigen preparations from three isolates of Trichinella spiralis (sensu-stricto) have been tested for their ability to immunize mice against homologous and heterologous challenge infections. Immunization was measured by accelerated expulsion of adult worms, reduction in female worm fecundity, stunting of growth, and level of antibody responses before and after challenge. Antigens of two isolates, from London (L) and Poland (P), immunized effectively against homologous challenge, adult worm recoveries being reduced by 64% and 51% respectively within 6 days. Antigen from a Spanish (S) isolate gave no homologous protection in terms of worm recovery at day 6 and only 43% reduction at day 8. L- and P-isolate antigens immunized well against heterologous challenge (day 6 worm recoveries reduced by 66% and 59%) but similar protection against S-isolate challenge was not seen until day 8. Immunization with S antigen gave better protection at day 6 against L-isolate challenge (77%) than against challenge with P-isolate (37%). These results imply considerable, but not complete, antigen cross-reactivity between the isolates and this was reflected in antibody responses. These variations in immunogenicity and immunization potential are discussed in terms of constraints on the use of vaccines against parasites that are widely distributed geographically.