MONOCLONAL-ANTIBODIES TO PARAGONIMUS-HETEROTREMUS AND THEIR POTENTIALFOR DIAGNOSIS OF PARAGONIMIASIS

Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to the lung fluke (Paragonimus h eterotremus) were produced against the soluble metabolic products (exc retory-secretory antigen). Three hybrids secreting MAbs specific for P . heterotremus antigens were identified by an indirect enzyme-linked i mmunosorbent assay (ELISA) against a panel of homologous and 24 hetero logous parasite antigens and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of the three specific clones, clone 10F2, which was IgG1 producing and which gave i mmune complex bands with 31.5-kD and 22-kD polypeptides by gel electro phoresis and immunoblotting, was selected for further characterization and evaluation of its possible diagnostic potential. The result obtai ned from an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test suggested that MA b 10F2 reacted with mucosa and contents of the worm's intestine. The a ntibody could be readily used to prepare an affinity-purified antigen for use in an indirect ELISA that was highly sensitive and specific fo r the detection of circulating antibody in sera of paragonimiasis pati ents.