Characterization of specific and cross-reacting antigens of Fasciola gigantica by immunoblotting.

Somatic antigens of F. gigantica, G. explanatum, S. spindale and hydatid cyst ingredients were analysed to identify the cross-reactive antigens among them using Western blot technique. When probed with F. gigantica infected cattle sera, the immunodominant 156 kDa and 28 kDa proteins of F. gigantica was found common amongst the antigens prepared from hydatid cysts ingredients like germinal layer, fertile and sterile, hydatid fluid, fertile and sterile, while another protein of 34 kDa was shared between F. gigantica and antigen prepared from protoscolices. In F. gigantica-buffalo system the proteins of 34 kDa and 28 kDa were found reactive with most of the antigens tested. Immunoaffinity chromatography using, F. gigantica infected rabbit immunoglobulins as legands isolated the immunodominant 34 kDa and 28 kDa proteins in dimer form and the same were found immunodominant in F. gigantica-cattle, F. gigantica-buffalo and F. gigantica-sheep system. No cross-reaction was noted with the sera of goats experimentally infected with Paramphistomum epiclitum. ELISA with the immunodominant proteins of 34 kDa and 28 kDa could be a feasible diagnostic tool for the early detection of bovine fasciolosis.