A ringworm vaccine is disclosed comprising antigen isolated from at least
one dermatophyte and a suitable carrier. The "antigen" can include a
single antigen from a dermatophyte or a plurality of antigens as long as
at least one antigen is included which will produce a sufficient immune
response to confer resistance to ringworm infection upon the recipient of
the vaccine. The antigen can also be isolated from more than one
dermatophyte. If a preparation from more than one dermatophyte is made
the antigen can include antigens which are common to all species of
dermatophytes employed and/or antigens which are only specific to certain
species. A method of producing such a ringworm vaccine is also disclosed.
The method comprises making an antigen preparation comprising the
dermatophyte antigen described above and combining the antigen
preparation with a suitable carrier. Methods of treating a patient are
also disclosed employing the vaccine of the present invention and
vaccines produced according to the method of the present invention.
Methods are also disclosed for treating a pregnant with such vaccines
such that the progeny of the pregnancy exhibit resistance to ringworm
infection at birth.