Diagnosis of Taenia Saginata Cysticercosis by Immunohistochemical Test on Formalin-Fixed and Paraffin-Embedded Bovine Lesions

Abstract

A new method of diagnosing cysticercus or larval stage of the human tapeworm, Taenia saginata, also known as Cysticercus bovis, in formalin-fixed bovine tissue was developed using a monoclonal antibody to T. saginata and avidin–biotin complex immunohistochemistry. Grossly recognizable viable and degenerate cysts were identifiable after immunohistochemical staining and could be differentiated from Sarcocystis, Actinobacillus, or non-cyst, normal bovine structures. The new test should permit laboratory confirmation of suspected T. saginata cysticercus lesions.