Evaluation of Diagnostic Potential of Echinococcus granulosus Recombinant EgAgB8/1, EgAgB8/2 and EPC1 Antigens for Cystic Echinococcosis in Goats

Abstract

Echinococcus granulosus recombinant proteins including two antigen B sub-units EgAgB8/1 and EgAgB8/2 and Echinococcus protoscolex calcium binding protein (EPC1) were expressed in prokaryotic expression vectors. The diagnostic potential of these three recombinant proteins was evaluated in the detection of cystic echinococcosis in goats in IgG-ELISA. The EgAgB8/1 and EgAgB8/2 recombinant proteins reacted fairly with the hydatid infected goats with sensitivity of 66.7% and 80.0% and specificity of 71.3% and 73.3%, respectively while EPC1 recombinant protein showed lower sensitivity (60%) but comparable specificity (72.3%). Cross-reactivity of these three antigens with goat gastro-intestinal strongyle nematodes and Taenia hydatigena under field conditions was studied. Results showed that EgAgB8/1, EgAgB8/2 and EPC1 antigens cross-reacted with most of the parasites in the goat host.

Keywords

• echinococcus granulosus
• goat
• antigen b8 sub-units
• epc1
• diagnosis
• igg-elisa