Characterization of specific trichomonas vaginalis target antigens from different isolates by immuno-blotting against hyperimmune rabbit serum

The SDS-PAGE and immunoblot methods were used to identify Trichomonas vaginalis specific target antigen[s]. Ten T. vaginalis isolates, cultured on TYM media, were analyzed by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis [SDS-PAGE], revealed 34 distinct bands. Immunoblotting against a hyperimmune rabbit serum, showed 20 reactive bands ranging from 14-205 kDa. There was isolate to isolate variability among 8 isolates, while 2 isolates [6, 7] showed a similar antigenic patterns. Imunoblotting of the isolates showed a total of 20 molecular weight bands, 80% of isolates gave positive immunologic reactions above 100 kDa, while below 100 Kda all the isolates recognized the different molecular weight bands. Out of 20 reacting bands, 5 main bands were detected, 29, 66, 84, 95 and 115 kDa gave positive percent of 60, 60, 60, 90 and 80% among the 10 isolates respectively

Compatibility of Biomphalaria alexandrina snails to Infection with Schistosoma mansoni after exposure to sublethal concentations of Myrrh

The effect of exposing B. alexandrina to the sublethal dose [LC10 and LC20] of myrrh, on its susceptibility to infection with S. mansoni miracidia were determined. At three weeks post miracidial exposure, cercarial shedding was monitored. No shedding of cercariae was observed from snails treated with LC20. In snails treated with LC10, longer prepatent cercarial and shorter cercarial production periods than those of the control group were recorded. The number of infected snails and shedding cercariae was decreased. The study revealed that the sublethal values of myrrh decreased the compatibility of B. Alexandrina to S. mansoni infection, thus proved to have an important role in the control of schistosomiasis