Characterization of somatic antigens of adult Toxocara canis by western blotting

• Main Authors: Shivani Sahu, S. Samanta, N. R. Sudhakar, O. K. Raina, S. C. Gupta, T. K. Goswami, D. N. Madhu, Ashok Kumar
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Veterinary World 2013-01-01
• Series: Veterinary World
• Subjects: diagnosis; Somatic-antigens; Toxocara canis; western blotting
• Online Access: http://www.scopemed.org/fulltextpdf.php?mno=27361

Aim: The objective of this study was characterize the somatic soluble antigens of adult Toxocara canis (Tc-SA) by western blotting. Materials and Methods: T. canis worms were collected from the naturally infected pups after deworming. The somatic antigen was prepared as per standard procedure with slight modification. These antigens were separated using Sodium dodecyl sulphate-electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The specific reactivity of the Tc-SA proteins was checked against the serum of naturally infected dogs as well with the hyperimmune serum raised in the rabbit by western blotting. Results: On SDS-PAGE recovered proteins ranged in size from 44 to 300 kDa. The immuno-reactivity of the naturally infected dog sera with the Tc-SA antigens showed 12 prominent immunoreactive bands of distinct sizes at 28.61, 32.60, 38.10, 43.04, 49.99, 67.57, 73.22, 105.77, 144.74, 161.11, 177.84 and 196.31 kDa. The immuno-reactivity of the hyper immune serum raised in rabbits against Tc-SA antigens was observed with 10 prominent bands of distinct sizes at 17.11, 24.15, 34.83, 43.46, 52.47, 55.89, 67.57, 70, 74.60 and 105.6 kDa. Conclusions: Common antigens band were observed at 67 and 105 kDa. These antigens merit further evaluation as candidate for use in diagnosis of toxocarosis in humans and adult dogs. [Vet World 2013; 6(7.000): 424-427]