Vaccination of goats with recombinant galectin antigen induces partial protection against Haemonchus contortus infection

The efficacy of vaccination against Haemonchus contortus infection with two recombinant proteins, rHco-gal-m and rHco-gal-f, was studied in 9-10-month-old goats. Vaccination with 100 microg protein reduced faecal egg output and worm burdens by 37.25% and 41.1%, respectively. Corresponding reductions with 200 microg protein were 48.03% and 46.19%. Vaccinated groups had significantly higher IgG levels than the negative and positive controls. Significant negative correlations were detected between IgG level, mucosal homogenate IgA concentration, haemoglobin and abomasal worm burden at necropsy. By contrast a positive correlation was found between the percentage of B cells, monocytes and abomasal worm burden. These findings suggested that vaccination with a combination of recombinant rHco-gal-m/f proteins had a role in protecting goats against H. contortus infection.