Possible antigenic cross reactivity between hepatitis c virus and schistosoma soluble worm antigens

ABSTRACT

The possible cross-reactivity between antibodies [Abs] to hepatitis-C virus [HCV] and Schistosoma mansoni was investigated. Ninety-one serum samples were collected from Egyptian adult healthy male blood donor volunteers. Sera were assayed for HCV antibody using a third generation ELISA technique, and divided into two groups. Group I [n = 61] included the anti - HCV positive sera, and group II [n = 30] anti HCV negative sera. For the two groups of sera, the seropositivity for anti - S.mansoni adult microsomal antigen [MAMA] was determined by Falcon assay screening test - ELISA [FAST-ELISA] and found to be higher in group I [78.7%] than group II [33.3%]. In contrast, screening for anti - Escherchia coli Abs by passive haemagglutination test demonstrate positive results in 44 [72.1%] of group I, and 28 [93.3%] of group II. Elimination of schistosoma Abs from HCV +ve sera did not affect detection of Hcv Abs when re-tested. It is concluded that Abs to immunogenic epitopes of Hcv and schistosoma adult worm antigens are not cross-reactive