Comparative antigenic characterisation of Echinococcus granulosus and Taenia hydatigena cyst fluids by immunoelectrophoresis.

Hydatid cyst fluid from Echinococcus granulosus (HCF) and cyst fluid from Taenia hydatigena (TCF) cysts were compared in reciprocal immunoelectrophoresis (IEP) tests using homologous and heterologous antisera which were free of antibodies to host serum contaminants. The antigens for the E granulosus arc 5 were demonstrated in TCF. Antibody activity to these and other antigens common to HCF and TCF was removed from homologous antisera by absorptions with the heterologous antigenic preparation. Antigens not shared by the two metacestodes fluids were then demonstrated by IEP tests. These findings are discussed in terms of their significance to phylogenetic and immunodiagnostic studies of these parasites in their immediate hosts.