Salivary and serum antibodies in experimental canine taeniasis.

Specific IgG and IgA antibodies against adult Taenia pisiformis excretory/secretory antigen were detected in sera and saliva by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in experimentally infected dogs. IgG titres in serum and IgA in saliva corresponded with infection status, while serum IgA levels closely reflected faecal egg counts. The salivary IgA response was particularly raised and could have significant immunodiagnostic use for taeniasis in dogs.