Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blotting analysis of human serologic responses to infective hookworm larval antigen

Objective To explore the possibility of using specific antigens for immunod iagnosis of hookworm disease in endemic area. Method Infective third-stage larvae of the canine hookworm, Ancylostoma can inum (A. caninum), were prepared as the source of antigen. Enzyme-linked im munoelectrotransfer blotting (EITB) was employed as an immunodiagnostic met hod. Results Two immunodominant bands of hookworm antigens (42 kDa and 55 kDa) w ere recognized by the sera of hookworm-infected patients (serum dilution 1: 200; antigen centrifuged at 36 000 r/m for 20 minutes, but not by sera from negative controls. Conclusion The 42 kDa and 55 kDa A. caninum antigens might be the specific antigens that could be used for immunodiagnosis of hookworm disease in ende mic area.