Serological evaluation of the 12 kDa subunit of antigen B in Echinococcus granulosus cyst fluid by immunoblot analysis

Abstract

This study evaluated the 12 kDa (smallest) subunit of Echinococcus granulosus antigen B as a diagnostic molecule. Using immunoblotting, 90·9% of cystic hydatid patients, 40% of alveolar hydatid patients and 5·5% of cysticercosis patients showed sero-reactivity to this subunit. Human antibody response to the 12 kDa molecule appeared independent of factors such as parasite strain or host population responsiveness. The majority of infection sera, and some normal human controls, also recognized the 38 kDa subunit of antigen 5.