Maite Estevan Muguerza, a researcher of the University of Navarra, has improved existing treatments against brucellosis and sheep salmonella, by applying, in her doctoral thesis, techniques of micro- and nano-technology which permit the encapsulation of vaccines.
In this way the sustained liberation of the vaccine or antigenic compound is assured, so that it remains active in the body of the animal over the period of at least six months". The existing treatments possess a limited effect due to the necessity to constantly reapply the vaccine, a measure which will be unnecessary with this advance.
In addition, in her doctoral thesis, entitled "Micro- and nano-particles as helpers against brucellosis and ovine salmonella", she developed a technique to maintain the effectiveness of existing products and avoid the denaturing and degradation which is suffered in the intestinal tract of sheep when vaccines are applied via the traditional oral method.
Infertility and mortality in sheep
This improvement in the treatment of brucellosis and ovine salmonella will mean an important advance in eliminating Brucella spp. and Salmonella Abortusovis, two bacteria which cause abortions in ovine livestock in Europe, as well as infertility in rams and mortality in lambs.
In addition, the researcher of the University of Navarra highlighted the utility of the vaccination as the most practical and economic means which can be applied in those zones where the disease is endemic, as is the case in Spain.
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Contact: Irati Kortabitarte
iratik@elhuyar.com
34-94-336-3040
Elhuyar Fundazioa
5-May-2006