Antigenicity of a proteolytic enzyme ofFasciola hepatica

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe possibility was examined of using a haemoglobinase released duringin vitroincubation of adultFasciola hepaticafor immunodiagnosis of fascioliasis. By SDS gel electrophoresis the enzyme appeared as two closely migrating bands with a molecular weight of approximately 27 000 daltons. After Western blotting the bands reacted with serum from rats infected withF. hepaticaand mice infected withSchistosoma mansoni. The enzyme was therefore not a good antigen for immunodiagnosis.