Haemonchus contortus Crude Proteins Produced Partial Protective Immunity against the Experimental Infection

Haemonchus contortus is a blood sucking abomasal nematode parasite of small ruminants producing the economic losses. The present study was conducted to explore the immunogenic properties of H. contortus crude proteins (HcCP). Protein profile of HcCP was checked by SDS PAGE and immunogenic proteins were recognized by the antisera produced by using the HcCP as antigen. Infective stage of the H. contortus (L3) was used for the challenge infection. Protein band pattern ranging from 10 to 170 kDa was observed and protein bands at 10-20 kDa, 24, 26 and 40-60 kDa were recognized by the antibodies against HcCP through western blot. Feacal egg count reduction test (FECRT) revealed that egg production was significantly reduced as 75.06%, 76.36% and 57.01 % respectively in vaccinated group as compared to positive control at 3rd, 4th and 5th week of immunization. Impact of the HcCP on haemoglobin level was also evaluated. After second week of infection significant difference (P<0.05) was found between the negative and positive control. However no significant difference (P>0.05) were found between vaccinated and control groups. Statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was observed among positive control group and vaccinated group at 3rd week of post infection. Packed cell volume (PCV) was also recorded and findings indicated that no significant differences (P>0.05) was observed among the all groups after the first week of challenge infection. After 2nd week of infection no significant difference (P>0.05) was found among the negative control and vaccinated group, however significant differences (P<0.05) was found between the positive control and vaccinated group. It is concluded that HcCPs were able to produce the antibodies, that means these proteins are able to produce the immunity and can be used as vaccine against the infection. However the results of FECRT indicated that HcCP produced partial immunity against the infection.