Effect of Irradiation on the Infective Stage Larvae of the Nematode, Oesophagostomum columbianum and their Use as a Vaccine

Abstract

The effect of irradiation on the survival, behaviour and immunogenicity of the infective (3rd stage) larvae of O. columbianum was studied. The findings reported are:1. Irradiation with up to 160,000 r does not significantly alter the survival of the larvae when stored at 4°C and at room temperature (26–32°C) for a period of 42 days.2. Irradiation at 15.000 r to 40,000 r results in progressively fewer adults developing but more nodules being formed in the intestinal wall. Irradiation at 80,000 r results in the larvae failing to develop and establish in the host.