Objective: To understand and identify the molecules related to the self-cure of Schistosoma japonicum infection in water buffaloes.
Methods: The S. japonicum adult worm cDNA library was immunologically screened with the sera of self-cured water buffaloes. The positive clones were identified, cloned, sequenced and analysed with software.
Results: Three genes encoding antigens relevant to sera antibodies in water buffaloes were cloned and sequenced. These antigens included paramyosin (Sj97), GST, carbonyl reductase-like 20-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(CR/20-beta-HSD).
Conclusion: Sera from self-cured S. japonicum infected water buffaloes can be used to screen adult worm cDNA library for vaccine development.