Homocytotropic antibody to Echinococcus antigen in sheep with homologous and heterologous larval cestode infection
Schantz, P.M.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 34(9): 1179-1181
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 4747039 Document Number: 68649
Sera from 4 sheep were tested for skin-sensitizing homocytotropic antibody by means of the modified Prausnitz-Kustner reaction using Echinococcus granulosus hydatid cyst fluid as antigen in uninfected lambs. Positive results were obtained with sera from 2 sheep which were found at post-mortem examination to be infected with 28 non-viable and 17 viable E. granulosus cysts, respectively, and with serum from one sheep which was found to be harbouring a single Taenia hydatigena cysticercus. The 4th sheep was negative for homocytotropic antibody and no larval cestodes were found. Sera from 5 other sheep were examined by the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) test using E. granulosus hydatid fluid as antigen in uninfected lambs. Positive results were obtained with sera from 2 sheep harbouring one and 3 T. hydatigena cysticerci, respectively, and with serum from one with 25 E. granulosus cysts. Negative results were obtained in 2 sheep which were found to be infected with 15 E. granulosus and one T. hydatigena cyst, and 7 E. granulosus cysts, respectively. Sera which were positive in the PCA test in sheep gave negative results in the PCA test in guinea-pigs, rats and jirds.