Molecular identity of major cross-reactive adult antigens in Fasciola gigantica, Toxocara vitulorum and Monieza expansa

Cross reactivity between Fasciola gigantica, Toxocara vitulorum and Moniezia expansa, whole worm extracts was proved by ELISA. Intense cross-reaction was observed between F. gigantica and M. expansa rather than between each of them and T. vitulorum. As judged by immunoblot, the cross-reactive antigens in F. gigantica which recognized by T. vitulorum antisera was 109 kD, while this component in addition to another one of 52 kD were detected by M. Expansa sera in the same extract. Furthermore, T. vitulorum antigen which cross-reacted with F. gigantica, was 133 kD and with M. expansa was 143 kD. Antigens responsible for cross-reactivity in M. expansa were 130 kD and 210 kD to T. vitulorum and F. Gigantica, respectively

Structural characterization and immunolocalization of egg antigens cross react with Toxicara vitulorum, Fasciola gigantica and moniezia expansa mature flukes

A structural homology between eggs of Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola gigantica and Moniezia expansa was proved by the use of SDS-PAGE. In immunoblot, nine, eleven and seven polypeptides were recognized in F. gigantica, M. expansa and T. vitulorum eggs, respectively, by their respective rabbit anti-adult antisera. Moreover, components of 240 KD and 206 KD were recognized in the three eggs by different anti-adult antisera. The anatomic localization of the cross-reactive epitopes in eggs was determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. The cross- reactive epitopes were mainly associated with embryonated cells of F. gigantica, egg shell, larvae and vitelline membranes of T. vitulorum and egg shell and granular layer of M. expansa