Humoral response of specific hosts to bird schistosome antigens

This thesis focuses on humoral immune response of specific hosts to antigens of various developmental stages of bird schistosomes T. regenti and T. szidati, and follows up on previous research of antibody response in non-specific hosts (mouse, human). Sera of experimentally infected and hunted-down wild ducks were examined using the ELISA and western blot methods. The sera samples were taken in predefined intervals. Results of the ELISA analysis show the process of humoral immune response after infection by bird schistosomes. The level of specific antibodies IgY against homogenate of T. regenti cercariae increased significantly 20 d.p.i. in ducks infected by T. regenti. Such reaction wasn't observed in ducks infected by T. szidati. Slight changes in level of specific antibodies IgM against T. szidati cercariae homogenate were observed 10 d.p.i. only in fully immunocompetent ducks and in reinfected ducks. Examination of hunted-down wild ducks didn't prove infection by bird schisosomes; this conclusion was confirmed by results of the ELISA analysis. IgY antibodies from ducks infected by T. regenti demonstrated strong reactions with 2 antigens in ranges 49-47 kDa and 47-45 kDa. Other reactions, which were recognized, have not been observed in all specimen. An Western blott with homogenate from 7 days..