Antigenic analysis of Cysticercus cellulosae by crossed immunoelectrophoresis & its role in immune diagnosis of neurocysticercosis.

The antigenic composition of Cysticercus cellulosae cysts excised from infected pig and autopsied human brain was analysed by crossed immunoelectrophoresis with an intermediate gel technique using rabbit hyperimmune serum. Normal pork muscle and human brain antigen were used to differentiate parasite derived components from that of host. Attempts were made to look for the rich source of parasitic immunodominant antigens by analysing preparations of different parts of cyst namely scolex and fluid using rabbit hyperimmune serum. Twenty three antigenic components were identified in sonicate extract of porcine cyst, of which 15 were parasite derived. On comparison with antigens of whole cyst sonicate, scolex showed 10, cyst fluid 9 and human cyst sonicate 11 parasite derived antigens. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of neurocysticercotic patients reacted with 12 parasite derived antigens of porcine cyst sonicate (PCS) in a heterogenous manner. It was also noticed that human cyst sonicate (HCS) lacked 4 of the parasite derived antigens present in the PCS.