The effects of treatment with transfer factor, parasitic antigen and precipitated immunoglobulin on the parasitological and histopathological responses inHaemonchus contortusinfection in lambs under six months of age

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn lambs under six months of age infected with 10,000H. contortusthird stage larvae two effects were observed as a result of the treatment regimes administered: 1. Reduced adult worm burdens, indicating protection, occurred in the animals treated with combined transfer factor, adult parasitic antigen and precipitated immunoglobulin whereas other treatment combinations produced no significant effects. 2. Defined patterns of histological changes in the abomasa were associated with each treatment and cumulative effects were recognized when combined treatments were given. The responses induced by transfer factor treatment suggest the development of a hypersensitivity reaction outwith the changes seen in primaryH. contortuschallenge.