GLUTATHIONE-S-TRANSFERASE IS AN IMPORTANT ANTIGEN IN THE EEL NEMATODEANGUILLICOLA-CRASSUS

Different organs and secretions/excretions of the swimbladder parasite , Anguillicola crassus (Nematoda), were tested for the presence of ant igens to the humoral immune response previously detected in the Europe an eel, Anguilla anguilla. Proteins from different fractions of Anguil licola crassus were separated using SDS-PAGE (sodium-dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis) under reducing conditions and elec troblotted onto nitrocellulose membranes. Infected eels showed a speci fic antibody response to a 43 kDa antigen in the cuticle and towards t wo gonad antigens around 34 and 43 kDa. In protein released from the w orms, two secretory/excretory antigens of approximately 28 kDa were fo und. The secretion/excretion rate of protein from the parasite to the surroundings was determined. Subsequently, an ELISA system was establi shed applying these antigens as the first layer of coating. Furthermor e, antigens from Anguillicola crassus were examined for the presence o f glutathione-s-transferase (GST) using a specific antibody against GS T. The antigens were found to be subunits of GST.