Work

Vaccine antigens against fasciolosis in ruminants: a systematic review of antigen candidates, study characteristics, outcome measures, and reporting quality in cattle, sheep, and goats

Year: 2026

Type: review

Abstract: The trematodes Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica exhibit a broad host range, infecting various mammalian species, including sheep, cattle, and, sporadically, humans. In cattle, fasciolosis constitutes a significant economic concern, often resulting in chronic and subclinical infections. Economic losses stem from liver condemnation and reduced weight gain in beef steers. Current disease control strategies include chemotherapy, livestock management practices, environmental measures to reduce intermediate host populations, and the development of vaccines for definitive hosts. Several antigens have been evaluated for their immunogenic potential in vaccine development against Fasciola species, including recombinant cathepsin 1 from F. hepatica (r Fh CL1) and recombinant fatty acid binding protein from F. gigantica (r Fg FABP), which have demonstrated promising immunogenic responses in cattle, sheep, and goats and can be candidates for a vaccine. It is important to thoroughly review the literature to identify studies that have tested various antigens in vaccine formulations against F. hepatica and F. gigantica , as this knowledge is crucial for advancing effective immunoprophylactic strategies. This systematic review identified the main antigen candidates, described the characteristics and outcome measures of the included studies, and assessed the reporting quality of studies evaluating vaccines against F. hepatica and F. gigantica in cattle, sheep, and goats. The review protocol was retrospectively registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF). The search employed multiple databases using defined keywords related to fasciolosis, immunization, and host species. Studies were screened and data extracted independently by two reviewers to minimize bias, with disagreements resolved by consensus with a third researcher. Methodological quality was appraised using the CONSORT checklist adapted from randomized controlled trials. The review included 37 studies evaluating vaccines against F. hepatica and 7 evaluating vaccines against F. gigantica in cattle, sheep, and goats. The most prevalent antigens included r Fh CL1 (10 studies for F. hepatica , of which four evaluated it as a single immunogen) and r Fg FABP (3 studies for F. gigantica ). Overall, the included studies demonstrated suboptimal reporting quality. In conclusion, this systematic review identified r Fh CL1 and r Fg FABP as the most frequently evaluated antigens against F. hepatica and F. gigantica , respectively, across cattle, sheep and goats. Advancements in experimental models and improved study designs are imperative to clarify immune correlates of protection, optimize vaccine candidates, and ultimately enhance fasciolosis control in cattle, sheep and goats.

Source: Frontiers in Immunology

DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2026.1952671

Authors: Guilherme Drescher, Larissa Americo, Tassia Cristina Bello de Vasconcelos, Vinícius Silva Belo, Michail Moroz, Fabiano Borges Figueiredo