Lectin binding to larval stages of Brugia patei

Surface properties of microfilariae (mf) and infective larvae of Brugia patei were investigated to compare them to previous studies with the other brugian species. Of all the lectins tested, only wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) binds to the sheath surface of mf indicating the presence of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine as a major surface carbohydrate. However, cuticle of infective larvae failed to show binding of these lectins. Enzyme treatment of mf with N-acetyl-D-glucosaminidase and L-fucosidase has exposed D-mannose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and L-fucose on the sheath surface. The binding of lectins to intact mf and to enzyme-treated mf appeared to be specific as pretreatment with specific inhibitory sugars completely abolished the binding activity. This is the first study conducted with this filarial parasite and it established that B. patei is similar to other species of Brugia but differs from Wuchereria in its surface-lectin binding properties.