[Characterization of surface antigens of the nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis: study of its role in protection mechanisms and their usefulness in the diagnosis of trichinosis].

Among the most important aspects in the study of trichinosis are the development of specific and sensitive diagnostic methods for the detection of the infection by the parasite as well as the characterization of antigens from Trichinella spiralis that induce protection in the host. In the context, the characterization of surface stichosome and excretory secretory antigens of T. spiralis muscle larvae has been an important issue due to the high immunogenicity of such components in most hosts so far studied. In this work, we have been able to identify and characterize molecules from both compartments of muscle larvae. These components have been used in assays for specific detection of T. spiralis infections particularly in pigs, as well as in assays to evaluate their role in the induction of protection in mice.