[Detection in the bile of a specific Fasciola hepatica antigen, a diagnostic criterion of fascioliasis].

The antigen activity of bile of rabbits, sheep and cattle infected with F. hepatica was investigated by the immunodiffusion methods. The sera obtained from animals with experimental fasciolosis and other infections were used. At the experimental fasciolosis and intensive natural infection antigens were found in bile, one of which was present in all the animals and turned to be identical immunologically to the specific protein antigene (molecular weight is 27 500) isolated from the extract of F. hepatica. Titres of this antigene in bile depended usually on the infection intensity and were, as a rule, higher than titres of corresponding antibodies in the blood serum. The presence of this antigen in bile can serve as a diagnostic indication of fasciolosis especially when ovoscope or immunological methods based on the finding of antibodies are inefficient.