Immunological recognition in naturally Fasciola hepatica infected sheep, monitored by an enzymatic immunoelectrotransference assay (Western Blotting)

Artículo de Publicación ISIIn order to verify the presence of immunodiagnostic antigenic fractions and their persistence in the course of a natural infection, the immune response of Fasciola hepatica infected sheep was studied. Serum samples from 10 lambs were obtained before their exposure to the natural infection and then every 15 days after exposure, for a period of 12 months. Two antigenic preparations, namely somatic and excretion-secretion F. hepatica antigens, were analized by polyacrylamide gel electroforesis followed by an enzymatic immunoelectrotransference assay. The serum samples were incubated individually as well as in pools. Additionally, 30 serum samples from sheep with other parasitic infections (hydatid cysts, Thysanosoma actinioides) were also included as controls. The pattern of antigenic recognition presented four prominent band groups: 36-38; 30-33; 26-28 and 19-23 kDA, which were only detected in F. hepatica infected sheep. Theses were observed 1.5 month after infection up to the end of the experimental period, but were not detected in sheep with other parasitic infections.Financiado por FONDECYT, Proyectos 91/1176 y 94/024