Possible causes of morphometric differences in Schistosoma haematobium eggs in Sohag [Upper Egypt]

Eggs of Schistosoma spp. are of particular taxonomic importance. Minor variations in morphometry of egg or spine may denote a different species, variety or strain. Eggs of Schistosoma haematobium were detected from five urinary bilharzial cases. They were of different ages [6-29 years old] and different worm burdens [egg count varied from 5-375 eggs/1ml urine]. Previous treatment was also taken in consideration. Eggs were subjected to microscopical examination. Wide variations were observed in the egg measurements. Abnormal morphology was also observed Unfertilized eggs were observed for the first time. These were generally smaller in size than fertile eggs, and showed some deformity in their outline and contain few different- sized refractile granules. It is concluded that S. haematobium in Egyptian patients may belong to different strains that have eggs variable in measurements and shapes. Cross-fertilization between different species may affect the morphometry of the resultant eggs and may also be responsible for the deformities described during the present study

Detection of schistosoma haematobium egg antigen by western blot

Eggs of Schistosoma release a potent soluble egg antigen SEA" which is used as an important marker in immunodiagnosis of schistosomiasis. Electrophoresis and identification of different protein fractions of the antigen are used in accurate serological diagnosis. This work aimed to detect Schistosoma haematobium egg antigens in human serum and hyperimmune sera of rabbits by Western blot [WB]. The results revealed important bands detected with rabbit anti-sera against [SEA] at 32-34, 40, 63 and 100 KD. In case of human anti-sera, the most important bands were at 24-26, 32-34, 40, 63 110 and 150 KD. This work was done for the first time in Egypt and its results agreed with what was done before by other methods