Studies on the immunological potentiality of irradiated Echinococcus granulosus forms: immunization experiments in dogs.

SUMMARY A total of forty-three pups of medium size breeds of domestic dogs were included in immunobiological experiments to investigate such variables as radiation dose, larval number, single and double vaccine administration and time interval between various vaccination procedures in the immunization schedule to E. granulosus. On the basis of the results obtained it was established, by comparing vaccinates with controls, that a very high percentage of protection (from 58 to 92), was produced in dogs by administering larvae of E. granulosus irradiated at 20, 25, and 30 kr. of X-rays. The time factor appeared to be important as well as size of immunizing dose of larvae in increasing the degree of protection to E. granulosus infection. Each of the above factors was discussed.