High resistance of water buffalo against reinfection with Schistosoma japonicum.

•We confirmed that buffalos received twice pre-infection have developed a resistance against S. japonicum reinfection.•There was a significant reduction in worm burden, worm length and egg counts in buffalos received twice pre-infection.•After reinfection levels of IL-4, IL-10, IFN-g, and specific IgG were higher.•Resistance against S. japonicum reinfection was mainly due to acquired immunity.•These findings may aid in the future vaccine design for water buffalos.