Comparison of Trichinella spiralis larva antigens for the detection of specific antibodies in pigs

An immunoenzymatic method was used to compare Trichinella spiralis muscle l arva excretory-secretory antigen (TES), somatic antigen (TE) and its fracti on (TF) obtained by gel filtration. The sensitivity and specificity of the assay was verified on sera of pigs experimentally infected with T. spiralis , sera of healthy pigs and sera of pigs infected with Ascaris suum and Oeso phagostomum spp. Extinction values recorded throughout the experiment for T E and TF antigens were higher than those for TES antigen. The presence of a nti-Trichinella antibodies was proved by TE and TF antigens as early as day 21 while TES antigen only on day 28 post infection. Using TF and TES antig ens, a 100% specificity was achieved, however, when TE antigen was used cro ss reactions iii A. suum infection were observed. For the diagnosis of tric hinellosis in pigs, the ELISA is recommended with using somatic larval anti gen fraction of T. spiralis (TF).