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

ABSTRACT

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