Characterization of surface associated antigens of axenic Giardia lamblia trophozoites & their recognition by human sera.

Two surface associated antigens (GLSA-82 and GLSA-56) of axenically grown G. lamblia trophozoites (PI strain) were affinity purified from its sonic extract. Both GLSA-82 and GLSA-56 were heat labile, sensitive to treatment with pronase, trypsin and were also sodium metaperiodate modifiable as assessed by micro ELISA. Lectin binding studies revealed that GLSA-82 specifically bound concanavalin A and pokeweed mitogen, and had alpha-methyl mannoside and n-acetyl-B-d-glucosamine sugar moieties. However, GLSA-56 selectively bound Ricinus communis agglutinin and phytohaemagglutinin, and had B-d-galactose and n-acetyl-B-d-galastosamine as sugar moieties. Human sera obtained during acute G. lamblia infection recognised GLSA-82 and GLSA-56 antigens. However, the antibody levels to GLSA-82 were significantly lower (P less than 0.05) during active giardiasis infection. Such surface associated antigens may be target of antiparasitic immune responses and thus, may modulate disease processes.