Toxoplasmosis in sheep III. Further evaluation of the ability of a live Toxoplasma gondii vaccine to prevent lamb losses and reduce congenital infection following experimental oral challenge |
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| Authors: | MF Wilkins Elaine O'Connell WA Te Punga |
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| Institution: | Wallaceville Animal Research Centre , MAFTech, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries , Private Bag, Upper Hutt, New Zealand |
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| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to compare the ability of a live incomplete strain (Strain 48) and a live complete strain (Strain 89) of Toxoplasma gondii to protect against abortion and congenital infection following an oral challenge of T. gondii oocysts. Sixty-nine two-tooth ewes were immunised pre-tupping with live Strain 48 of T. gondii tachyzoites and seventy ewes were immunised with Strain 89. Eighty-two serologically negative ewes served as controls. At mid-pregnancy half of the ewes were challenged orally with T. gondii oocysts (2×105/ewe). The ewes vaccinated with Strain 48 were significantly (p<0.05) protected against the effects of experimental challenge and the rate of congenital infection was also significantly (p<0.15) reduced. The ewes vaccinated with Strain 89 were also significantly (p<0.05) protected. The serological response to challenge as measured by both the Dye test and the Indirect Haemagglutination test varied considerably between the two vaccinated groups. |
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| Keywords: | Epidural catheter analgesia morphine canine post-operative pain |
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