A Comparative Analysis of Somatic and Excretory-Secretory Proteins of Haemonchus contortus and Ostertagia ostertagi Infecting Sheep of Kashmir Valley

Helminth parasitism of food and dairy animals has been responsible for significant economic losses throughout the world. Although a number of helminth parasites affect ruminants, but Haemonchus contortus and Ostertagia ostertagi are of paramount importance as they affect their hosts in a number of ways and often result in their death. The aim of the present trial was to do a comparative analysis of somatic as well as the excretory-secretory proteins of both the parasites. Many significant protein bands were found in case of somatic as well as the excretory-secretory proteins of both the parasites which will play an important role in controlling these two parasites. E/S antigens were found to be more in number as compared to somatic antigens. This means E/S antigens are more antigenic as compared to the somatic antigens. Further 2D gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric analysis of these diagnostic E/S antigens are needed which will identify the particular proteins and thereby will play an important role in devising an effective vaccine against these parasites.