Project Number: 5348-32000-028-00
Project Type: Appropriated

Start Date: Dec 23, 2006
End Date: Dec 22, 2011

Objective:
The objectives of this research are: (1) the testing of the hypothesis that tick antigens capable of inducing anti-tick immunity can be delivered through a transfected parasite; (2) discovery of new tick antigen vaccine targets; (3) an understanding of the vector competence of certain U. S. ticks for transmission of equine babesiosis, and (4) the determination if certain anti-babesial drugs are capable of clearing horses of persistent babesial infection.

Approach:
The above objectives will be approached through the use of transfection to create replication competent parasites containing tick antigens known to induce anti-tick immunity. In parallel with this approach new tick antigens will be discovered and characterized through genetic approaches including suppressive subtractive hybridization and Serial Analysis of Gene Expression. New antigens will first be tested by subunit immunization for their ability to induce anti-tick immunity. Tick vectors present in the U. S. and known to feed on horses will be tested for their ability to transmit B. equi and/or B. caballi and finally selected chemotherapeutics will be tested for their ability to clear persistent B. equi and/or B. caballi infections. Clearance will be defined as the lack of detectable anti-parasite antibody, the lack of PCR detectable genetic elements of B. equi and/or B. caballi and finally by testing for the ability of know competent ticks to acquire infection from treated horses. BSL-1; 6/30/06. Formerly 5348-32000-020-00D (12/06).