[Characterization of immunogenic proteins from Echinococcus granulosus with the immunoblot technique]

The serological response to Echinococcus granulosus was evaluated by immunoblotting in 20 patients with hydatid disease. In non-reducing conditions, the highest reactivity corresponded to 80, 66 and 56 kd proteins, while in reducing conditions only one 36 kd protein was detected. A low molecular weight component which moved with the migration front of gels was also detected. In reducing conditions the activity was less marked. Immunoblotting permits the identification of specific immunogenic proteins and the improvement of the serologic diagnosis of hydatid disease, as it eliminates the problem of low titer nonspecific reactions with serological tests using complex antigens.