The protective potential of killed Leishmania major (ALM)
along with BCG was evaluated against L. donovani in Indian
langur monkeys in single and triple dose schedules. A delayed protection
was
observed in monkeys after a single dose
schedule of ALM (3 mg)+BCG (3 mg) given intradermally 2 months before intravenous
challenge
with L. donovani. Triple dose schedule each of 1 mg ALM+1 mg BCG
was
more effective. The status remained unchanged until the end
of the experiment (approximately 8 months). The study indicates that a
combination of ALM+BCG may be a good
candidate vaccine for exploiting against human Kala-azar.