Identification and Characterization of Antigenic Components of Sheep Hydatid Fluid by Immunoelectrophoresis

Abstract

Sheep hydatid fluid was analyzed by immunoelectrophoretic methods. Nineteen antigenic components were detected. Tests with homologous and heterologous anti-sera showed that ten of the bands were of parasite origin. The characteristic features and staining reactions of each band were determined. In a group of diagnostic sera, eight of the ten parasite bands were identified. The host components which produce cross-reactions in diagnostic sera, and with antinormal human serum were identified. The role of host components as a cause of nonspecific reactions and the importance of using antigenic fractions free of host components are discussed.