Host:Parasite Interactions in Teladorsagia Circumcincta
Infections in sheep
Matthews JB & Knox DP
Teladorsagia circumcincta is a common pathogenic nematode (roundworm) which lives in the abomasum of sheep. This parasite is endemic in temperate regions and is the most common sheep nematode in the UK, where the associated disease, parasitic gastroenteritis, is widespread. Drug resistance in this parasite species is extensive and is increasing. A vaccine against T. circumcincta would reduce the suffering and economic losses associated with infection, particularly in regions where multiple-drug resistant worms exist.
Sheep develop strong immunity following infection with T. circumcincta, so vaccination is a viable concept for control. Scientists at Moredun are studying immune responses of resistant sheep to identify specific parasite molecules which may be involved in generating host immunity. We are also studying the molecules important in T. circumcincta's transition to parasitism. We are doing this by looking at the differences between molecules found in free-living (pasture) stages from those in newly parasitic (gastric gland) stages using sensitive molecular biology techniques. The overall outcome of these studies will be to identify potential candidates to use in a possible recombinant vaccine for teladorsagiosis.