The complement-fixation test in Bilharziasis II. Preparation and preservation of antigens from Schistosoma mansoni worms extracted in Coca's solution

Abstract

1. Adult S. mansoni worms were extracted in Coca's solution at various temperatures by different methods. The most potent antigen was obtained by extracting a worm suspension, diluted 1:500, at 37° C. for 1 hr., with vigorous shaking at 10 min. intervals, followed by 23 hr. at 28° C. Second extraction of worm samples gave highly active material and third extractions also contained antigen.2. Complement-fixation tests, performed with the sera of twenty-five patients with chronic bilharziasis and twenty-five healthy subjects showed that the most specific results were obtained with either the first two extracts of worms, suspended in 100 parts of Coca's solution, and extracted for 1 hr. at 37° C. and 23 hr. at 28° C., or with the first extract of worms, suspended in 500 parts and extracted in the same manner.3. Samples of an extract in Coca's solution were preserved for 170 days by different methods, and their activity was tested at approximately monthly intervals. The antigen, with or without the addition of 0·1% cysteine, retained its titre for 1 month, when kept in the refrigerator. Freezing, or lyophilization of the extract caused a rapid drop in titre.4. Titration of extracts of lyophilized worms, from freshly opened ampoules, showed that a constant titre was retained for 3½ months followed by a slight drop after 5–6 months. The worm powder retained its antigenic potency when kept, thoroughly desiccated, in the refrigerator for 4 months, but lost it in 40 days when partial rehydration occurred.