Parasite Control Strategies: Immunoprophylaxis

Immunoprophylaxis is a most promising way to control parasitic diseases by injecting immunological preparations to create immunity in hosts. It is crucial not only to reduce the associated diseases and deaths in livestock animals but also to limit the tremendous impact on the economy and society. The development of effective vaccines against parasitic infections has remained unclear because the molecular convolution of the parasites requires detailed knowledge about host–parasite relationships and ensures the complexity of the host immune responses and effector mechanisms. In this chapter, challenges related to the global control of protozoa, helminths and ectoparasitic infections are discussed. The emphasis is on how genetic manipulation advancements have contributed to the discovery of new potential vaccine targets and improved immunotherapeutics to control parasites. It also includes a comprehensive summary of advances in parasitic genomics and proteomics for a better understanding of the biological approaches toward vaccine development and immunoprophylaxis.