Evaluation of chemotherapy in experimental toxocarosis by determination of specific immune complexes

Abstract

Parasitism by the larval phase ofToxocara canisis a chronic process in which the larvae survive in the tissues, resulting in the constant stimulation of the immune system. As a result, the detection of specific antibodies may not reflect the active state of the parasite. We have studied the dynamics of the production of specific immune complexes by ELISA with the monoclonal antibody TC-1 in rabbits inoculated with single and multiple doses ofT. caniseggs. We also compared this with the production of specific antibodies and their possible modification after treatment with mebendazole. The specific antibodies against excretory-secretory antigen were detected with peaks at 10 and 12 weeks depending on the dose and remained positive during the entire experiment (62 weeks). Treatment caused an increase in the level of detectable antibodies dropping to similar levels to the controls. Specific immune complexes were detected only in multiple doses, and were then positive during the entire experiment. From the beginning of treatment the values of immune complexes fell quickly, remaining at undetectable levels during the rest of the experiment. For this reason the detection of specific immune complexes is a valid technique for monitoring the efficiency of treatment.

Parasites of Rabbits

“…Treatment with 100 mg/kg mebendazole for three days is reported to be effective against migrating larvae 105 . Treatment with 100 mg/kg mebendazole for three days is reported to be effective against migrating larvae 105 .…”

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot antibody determination in sera from patients diagnosed with different helminthic infections with Anisakis simplex antigen purified by affinity chromatography

“…The antigen from A. suum adults (A. suum CE antigen or AS antigen) was obtained using a modification of the Welch et al (1983) method by homogenisation and extraction in PBS at 4ºC overnight (instead of ultrasonic burst). Its protein content was estimated by the Bradford (1976) method, and then the antigen was frozen at 20ºC until use (Águila et al 1987(Águila et al , Cuéllar et al 1990). …”

Evaluation by ELISA of Anisakis simplex Larval Antigen Purified by Affinity Chromatography

“…CE antigen from A. suum adults (A. suum CE antigen) was obtained using a modification of the Welch et al (1983) method by homogenization and extraction in PBS at 4 o C overnight (instead of ultrasonic burst). Its protein content was estimated by the Bradford (1976) method, and then the antigen frozen at -20 o C until use (Águila et al 1987(Águila et al , Cuéllar et al 1990. T. canis eggs were obtained by dissection of gravid females, resulting from a natural infection.…”

“…Animals were bled weekly postimmunization (p.i.) after the 1st inoculation (week 0) (Cuéllar et al 1990, García et al 1996.…”