Comparison of different Fasciola hepatica antigens and their use to detect infection in sheep by an enzyme immunoassay.

Soluble antigens of adult Fasciola hepatica were extracted from homogenized parasites and purified with gel chromatography on Sephadex G-200. Six peaks were obtained, and the second highest in molecular weight showed highest correspondence in a microplate enzyme immuno assay with parasite metabolite antigens. Optimal coating antigen concentration was 5 micrograms/ml and sample dilution 1:20. Total running time of assay was 3 hours. Positive and negative sheep sera was obtained from a group of experimentally infected tracer lambs.