An investigation of host influence on soluble protein banding profiles of Hymenolepis spp. (Cestoidea), using isoelectric focusing

Abstract

Protein separation techniques have been utilized in recent years as alternative means of differentiating species and strains of tapeworms. As with the traditional morphological approach, however, there is the potential for host influence. For such separative techniques to be useful taxonomically it is important that the banding profiles differentiating parasites be consistent, regardless of host species. To test for host influence, two Hymenolepis species were maintained both in preferred and alternative definitive host species. The soluble proteins of tapeworms of a given species, from the different host species, were then subjected to isoelectric focusing, and the resulting banding patterns were compared. There were no noticeable differences in the banding profiles of these worms, indicating a lack of host influence. If these findings hold for other tapeworm genera, isoelectric focusing of soluble proteins could have practical value in parasite surveys.