[Human dirofilariasis: identification of a 44kD antigen recognized by IgM against Dirofilaria immitis].
BACKGROUND
Dirofilaria immitis is a nematode parasite of canids that, in endemic areas, can infect humans. The use of adult somatic antigens for the diagnosis of human dirofilariasis has the disadvantage of a low sensibility because of cross-reactivity with other helminths, specially with IgM antibodies. We describe in this work proteins of the adult somatic antigenic complex that are specifically recognized by human IgM.


METHODS
Human sera with different characteristics were analyzed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of anti-D. immitis IgM seropositive individuals. Moreover, an enzyme-linked immuno-electro-transfer blot (EITB) was performed for the detection of polypeptides that specifically react with IgM anti-D. immitis.


RESULTS
EITB analysis shows that 2 proteins of 44 and 18 kD are recognized by IgM in human sera from an endemic area with a high antibody titer against D. immitis measured by ELISA. Sera from a non-endemic area and from patients suffering from other parasitic and non-parasitic diseases did not recognize these antigens.


CONCLUSIONS
We believe that the 44 kD protein could be a good marker of recent D. immitis infection.
Laboratorio de Parasitología, Facultad de Farmacia, Univesidad de Salamanca.
L
L
Perera
A
A
Muro
I
I
Muñoz
M
M
Cordero
F
F
Simón
D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D004183:Dirofilaria immitis / Q000276:immunology*; D004184:Dirofilariasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000276:immunology*
D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth; D007075:Immunoglobulin M
Dirofilariosis humana: identificación de un antígeno de 44 kD reconocido por IgM anti-Dirofilaria immitis.