Detection of circulating and fecal Trichinella spiralis antigens during experimental infection using monoclonal antibodies against the new born larvae

Different assays to detect antigens of Trichinella spiralis during current infection have been standardized, although sensitivity values have been the main limitation to use them as routine diagnostic test. We report the prod uction and use of monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against the new born larvae which recognize both somatic and metabolic antigens from adult and muscular larvae (ML). We used two IgG3 MAbs (4B1, 4B2) and two IgG2a (2D3, 2D4) to detect antigens during experimental infection. All MAbs detect fecal antige ns starting the second to third week post infection (wpi), although it was less clear with MAbs 4B1 and 4B2, while circulating antigens were detected from third to fourth wpi. Thus, the recognition of shared antigens among T. spiralis developmental stages can be used for early diagnosis of trichinel losis.