Structural characterization and immunolocalization of egg antigens cross-react with Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola gigantica and Moniezia expansa mature flukes.

A structural homology between eggs of Toxocara vitulorum, Fasciola gigantica and Moniezia expansa was proved by the use of SDS-PAGE. In immunoblot, 9, 11 and 7 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 crossreactive epitopes in eggs was determined by indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. The cross-reactive epitopes were mainly associated with embryonted cells of F. gigantica, egg shell, larvae and vitelline membranes of T. vitulorum and egg shall and granular layer of M. expansa.