Surface antigens on Schistosoma mansoni. I. Demonstration of host antigens on schistosomula and adult worms using the mixed antiglobulin test

摘要

Using the mixed antiglobulin test it was possible to demonstrate mouse-like antigens on the surface of schistosomula and adult Schistosoma mansoni, but not cercariae. The results indicated that schistosomula incubated with mouse tissue in vitro (newborn mouse extract) or in vivo (peritoneal cavity) adsorb mouse antigens onto their surfaces. Mouse antigens were also demonstrated on the surfaces of adult worms. In contrast, no mouse antigens could be demonstrated on cercariae or cercarial tails which had been incubated with mouse antigens, or on schistosomula or cercariae which had not been exposed to mouse antigens. Adsorption of mouse antigens by formalin-fixed, and therefore, non-viable schistosomula suggested that host surface antigens are passively adsorbed by schistosomula and are not actively produced by the parasite.