Swiss albino mice were experimentally infected with protoscolices of Echinococcus granulosus of buffalo origin through intraperitoneal route. The sera samples of experimentally infected mice were collected at an interval of 15 days and the antibody responses were tested in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against different antigenic fractions of protoscolieces. The antibody response in mice against soluble proteins of protoscolieces (SP-P) was significant throughout the observation period of 180 days w.e.f. day 15-post infection (p.i.). The peak response was observed on day 120 p.i. although substantial ELISA values were recorded during 75 to 150 days p.i. With the excretory-secretory antigen of protoscolices (ES-P), a significant antibody response was recorded from day 15 p.i. and higher ELISA values were recorded during day 105 to 135 p.i. and the peak response was observed on day 120 p.i. The steady increase in antibody response up to around 120 days p.i. and thereafter declining trends of antibody response against the infection were evident. However, a significant response throughout the experiment was observed. The trend of anti-procoscolieces IgG level may be coinciding with cyst development in the present experimental infection.
Secondary hydatidosis, Antibody response, Echinococcus granulosus, ELISA, Alibino mice
