| abstract |
The present invention provides the recombinant cloning and sequencing of two of the major Eimeria maxima gametocyte antigens having molecular weights of 56 and 82 kDa and the expression of these recombinant antigens in an E. coli expression system using the plasmid pTrcHis. The subject invention also provides a vaccine against coccidiosis comprising the recombinant 56 kDa or 82 kDa antigen. The subject invention also provides two 30 kDa proteins and three 14 kDa proteins from Eimeria maxima gametocytes having at the N-terminal end the amino acid sequence described herein. The subject invention also provides a vaccine against coccidiosis comprising the recombinant 56 kDa or 82 kDa antigen and any of the aforementioned proteins. Additionally, the subject invention also provides a method of immunizing a subject against infection by Eimeria tenella, Eimeria maxima, Eimeria acervulina, Eimeria necatrix, Eimeria praecox, Eimeria mitis or Eimeria brunetti , or a microorganism expressing an immunologically cross-reactive antigen, comprising the step of administering to the subject any of the aforementioned vaccines. |