TABLE 1.
Effects of multiple lower doses compared to a single mass infection followed by praziquantel treatment on resistance to challenge infection
| Mode of infectiona | n | Challenge cercariae | Mean worm burden ± SD (% protection)b | Serum SWAP-specific IgG (104 U/ml)c |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| None | 6 | 1,000 × 1 | 794 ± 97 | <0.1 |
| SI | 7 | 1,000 × 1 | 466 ± 182* (59) | 9.1 (2.4–28) |
| MI | 7 | 1,000 × 1 | 161 ± 89* (80)d | 12.8 (4.8–24) |
a
SI, single infection of 1,000 cercariae; MI, multiple percutaneous infections of 100 cercariae per week for 10 weeks. Animals were cured with praziquantel (60 mg/kg given as a single dose on weeks 19, 27, and 29) prior to challenge infection at week 34.
b
*, P < 0.01 (compared to challenge control group).
c
Serum was obtained after treatment and prior to challenge infection. Values are geometric means and ranges.
d
65.5% fewer worms than in the SI group.