Antibody responses against natural Taenia hydatigena infection in dogs in Kenya

Int J Parasitol. 1991 Apr;21(2):251-3. doi: 10.1016/0020-7519(91)90017-2.

Abstract

Antibody responses (IgG) against Taenia hydatigena infection in dogs in Kenya were analysed in ELISA using excretory/secretory products of T. hydatigena scoleces derived from goat cysticercus cysts. Helminth infections of individual dogs were confirmed at autopsy. T. hydatigena worms were found in 89.5% of 143 dogs, and positive anti-T. hydatigena antibody levels were detected in 58.7% of infected dogs. Positive antiscolex antibody levels were detected in 40.0% of Turkana dogs uninfected with T. hydatigena, suggesting previous infection. Antibody was not detected in 34.4% of infected dogs. There was no relationship between individual T. hydatigena worm burdens and absorbance values for sera in ELISA. It was not possible to distinguish between sera from T. hydatigena-infected and uninfected dogs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood*
  • Dog Diseases / immunology*
  • Dogs
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Kenya
  • Taenia / immunology*
  • Taeniasis / immunology
  • Taeniasis / veterinary*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth