Isolation of Fasciola hepatica tegument antigens.

Fasciola hepatica tegument antigens were isolated from intact worms in the cold by using Nonidet P-40. Proof of the tegumental nature of the antigens was shown by the peroxidase-antiperoxidase immunocytochemical technique at the light microscope level. The potential of F. hepatica tegument antigens for the immunodiagnosis of rabbit and human fascioliasis was shown by Ouchterlony immunodiffusion, although cross-reactivity was evident in one of six serum samples from patients infected with Schistosoma mansoni. A genus-specific Fasciola antigen was found in F. hepatica tegument. Finally, F. hepatica tegument contained antigens which protected mice from challenge infection with S. mansoni.