Experimental challenge models for canine leishmaniasis in hamsters and dogs, optimization and application in vaccine research

摘要: In dogs, leishmaniasis caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania infantum is a serious and potentially fatal disease. This can also cause zoonotic visceral in children immunocompromised adults. A vaccine for dogs would not only be of great value veterinary medicine but could reduce incidence disease since are main reservoir this parasite. order to able test efficacy candidate vaccines, we have established challenge models L.infantum hamsters our laboratory. Intravenous injection relatively high dose vitro cultured promastigotes (the stage transmitted sandfly vector) was found reliably infect produce clinical symptoms most them. detailed prolonged follow-up challenged necessary reliable results. Hamsters were extremely susceptible infection therefore more suited as model than mice. Increasing decrease prepatent period. parasites chosen standard enables use small groups animals decreases Cysteine peptidases (CP’s) known virulence factors many parasites, including Leishmania. Previous research has indicated protective potential both CP knockout strains recombinant CP’s when used vaccinate mice against L.mexicana. Two different candidates tested. live attenuated strain L.infantum, generated targeted gene disruption cysteine peptidase genes, tested hamsters. Although virulence, protection detected. Furthermore formulation containing proteins canine Interleukin-12 dogs; again found. More needed find an effective leishmaniasis. It very important (new) vaccines it appears that results mouse directly translated dog. Results dog vaccination studies important, irrespective result, because increase knowledge subsequently direct future research.