Preliminary analysis of Sm14 in distinct fractions of Schistosoma mansoni adult worm extract

In previous studies it was shown that the recombinant molecule, r-Sm14, ind uces high levels of protection against Schistosoma mansoni infection in two outbred animal models and immune crossprotection against infection by Fasc iola hepatica in Swiss outbred mice. r-Sm14 was derived from a living worm extract, called SE, and is being developed as the molecular basis of an ant i-helminth bivalent vaccine against the two parasites, for medical and vete rinary application. Present data refer to SDS-PAGE and Western Blotting ana lysis of four different preparations of S. mansoni adult worms focusing Sm1 4 identification. The extracts correspond to the initial fraction of the SE extraction process, containing products released by living worms (SEi); SE 2, reextraction of adult worms in PBS; and SE of separated male and female adult worms. In all extracts it was possible to detect the component of 14 kDa, that was recognized by specific anti-rSm14 antibody raised in rabbits.