Abstract

Intestinal schistosomiasis remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in most parts of the world, despite decades of widespread chemotherapy use. The present study determined the intermediate host proteins expressing the immunogenic properties against the parasite by determining the efficacy. Digestive gland and foot parts were isolated by dissection from the Biomphalaria pfeifferi, processed and the concentration was determined. The proteins were used to immunize the experimental groups of BALB/c mice which were then challenged with the parasite to determine the efficacy. The results show the proteins were efficacious with foot and digestive gland soluble proteins having 59.1 and 40.9% worm reduction, respectively. They also stimulated the production of effective cytokines, immunoglobulins and reduced hepatic pathology.

Key words: Schistosomiasis, immunogenic, Biomphalaria pfeifferi, BALB/c mice.