Abstract

Monoclonal antibodies (Mabs) were produced against crude scolex extract of T. solium metacestodes, and applied to ELISA-inhibition test for improving the specificity of serodiagnosis of human cysticercosis. Four hybridomas secreting species-specific anticysticercal Mabs (Cya-1, Cya-7, Cya-28 and Cya-31) were selected. Each Mab reacted on antigenic components of 25.5 kDa (Cya-1), 28 kDa (Cya-7), 87.5 kDa (Cya-28), and 12.5 kDa (Cya-31). IFA showed that Cya-1 was located at the calcium corpuscles, and Cya-7 at the loose connective tissue of T. solium metacestode scolex. Cya-28 and Cya-31 reacted on the tegument of the scolex. By conventional ELISA, 23 out of 28 (82.1%) cysticercosis patients were found serologically positive, but 1 out of 9 (11.1%) sparganosis cases and 6 out of 31 (19.4%) paragonimiasis cases showed false positives. By ELISA-inhibition test using species-specific anti-cysticercal Mab Cya-7, 19 out of 28 (67.9%) cysticercosis cases were found serologically positive, but there were no false positives in other parasitic infections.