Murine immunization by cesium-137 irradiation attenuated Schistosoma mansoni cercariae.
Cesium-137, becoming a more readily available ionizing gamma radiation source for laboratory use, was shown to effectively attenuate Schistosoma mansoni cercariae for vaccine production. In parallel comparison studies with the murine model, cesium-137 attenuated cercariae consistently afforded better (P greater than 0.05) protection than did the cobalt-60 prepared vaccine. Dose-response data indicated that the optimal total irradiation with cesium-137 was between 45 and 50 Krad.
D000818:Animals; D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D005260:Female; D007114:Immunization; D051379:Mice; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D012550:Schistosoma mansoni / Q000276:immunology* / Q000528:radiation effects; D012552:Schistosomiasis / Q000276:immunology*; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated / Q000276:immunology*
D002588:Cesium Radioisotopes; D003037:Cobalt Radioisotopes; D014613:Vaccines, Attenuated