Practicable IFAT slide antigen preparations for detection of Gnathostoma spinigerum antibodies in rabbits

This study was designed to determine which stage of Gnathostoma spinigerum and which method of the preparation of test antigens are the most suitable for the detection of antibodies in serum of rabbits infected with advanced third stage larvae (AL3) of G. spinigerum by the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Antigens from parasite ova and first stage larvae (L1) were obtained from freshly preserved specimens and affixed to glass slides with egg albumin. AL3 antigens consisted of paraffin sections, cryostat sections and pellets of crude worm soluble extract. Slides of adult male and female worms were prepared in cryostat sections. Pellets of crude worm soluble extract (AL3) smeared onto slides gave the best positive reaction followed by AL3 cryostat sections and L1.