Non-specific immunization against bovine tropical theileriosis (Theileria annulata) using killed Corynebacterium parvum.

Killed Corynebacterium parvum was used as an adjuvant for the production of non-specific resistance against Theileria annulata in cattle. Groups of cross-bred (Bos indicus X Bos taurus) calves were administered C. parvum adjuvant subcutaneously and were then challenged with T. annulata-infected ticks on 45, 60 or 90 days later. The challenge caused mild reactions in the protected calves. None of the 10 immunized calves died due to theileriosis, whereas all three paris of susceptible control calves died due to theileriosis. It appears from this pilot study that cattle can be protected non-specifically with C parvum adjuvant against T. annulata.