Antigenic analysis of Strongyloides ratti infective larvae and adult worms

The protein composition of Strongyloides ratti infective larvae and adult worms extracted sequentially in water, sodium deoxycholate and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and their excretory/secretory products were analysed by both one- and two-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. While many bands common to all preparations and both stages of the worm were seen, a number of bands unique to each stage and preparation were identified. Western blot analysis of these larval and adult preparations for reaction with IgG and IgM antibodies in hyperimmune mouse sera revealed a large number of antigens. These data provide a framework for analysis of protective and diagnostically useful antigens.