Specific and cross-reactive antigens of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid.

The parasite antigens of Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid have been characterised using the techniques of radioiodination, immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE, and immunoblotting. Five major subunit antigens of the parasite have been identified of relative molecular mass (Mr) 12,000, 16,000, two at 20,000, and 38,000 when reduced. The 12 and 16 kDa molecules are specific to E. granulosus and are excreted/secreted by both U.K. strains of the parasite and all human isolates examined, although not all hydatid disease patients produce antibodies to them. These molecules may be suitable for detection in specific immunodiagnosis. The 38 kDa molecule associates, via a disulphide linkage, with one of the 20 kDa molecules to form a single molecule of 60 kDa. This antigen is cross-reactive with human antibody to other cestode, trematode, and nematode parasites. Part of this cross-reactivity is associated with the presence of phosphorylcholine bound to the 38 kDa subunit.