Immunizing potential of ultraviolet-attenuated cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni in rodent hosts.

Schistosoma mansoni cercariae attenuated with ultraviolet (UV) irradiation (254 nm) at a dose of 18 mJ/cm2 induced partial resistance against a homologous challenge in male ICR mice and male Hartley guinea pigs. The reduction in the adult worm burden was 51% and 37% +/- 13%, respectively. On the other hand, male and female Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) vaccinated with UV-attenuated cercariae exhibited marginal resistance (13% +/- 9% and 22% +/- 10%, respectively). This raises the possibility that gerbils might have an unknown immune-characteristic nature. The usefulness of UV-attenuated cercariae is discussed with respect to the control of the disease.