Enzyme-linked crossed immunoelectrophoresis: a technique for detection of allergens and their respective antibodies in human schistosomiasis.

A method is described which allows the demonstration of allergens in complex antigens and their respective antibodies. Schistosoma mansoni antigens are separated in agarose by 2-dimensional electrophoresis, using an anti-S. mansoni serum from goats in the second dimension. After extensive washing test serum is spread over the gel and allowed to bind to the precipitated antigens. After further extensive washing, horseradish peroxidase-coupled anti-IgE antibodies are put on the plate and allowed to react. Bound antiserum is visualized with tetramethylbenzidine as a substrate. In pooled sera from schistosomiasis patients at least 7 antigen fractions of adult S. mansoni and 2 of cercarial antigen reacted with IgE antibodies. No reaction was found in normal sera.