Vaccination against hydatidosis: Anticipating the potential for antigenic variation

Abstract

A vaccine based on the recombinant EG95 antigen has been found to be effective in protecting intermediate hosts against infection with hydatid cysts caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The vaccine typically induces more than 90% protection in both experimental challenge trials and field trials. Commercial-scale manufacturing of the vaccine has been undertaken in New Zealand as well as in China where large scale field trials are currently in progress, representing the first practical application of the vaccine. The EG95 antigen is a single recombinant protein originating from the parasite's oncosphere life cycle stage. The antigen is relatively small, being 16.5kDa, and available evidence sugg..