Glutathione-s-transferase is an important antigen in the eel nematodeAnguillicola crassus

Different organs and secretions/excretions of the swimbladder parasite, Anguillicola crassus (Nematoda), were tested for the presence of antigens to the humoral immune response previously detected in the European eel, Anguilla anguilla. Proteins from different fractions of Anguillicola crassus were separated using SDS-PAGE (sodium-dodecyl-sulphate polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis) under reducing conditions and electroblotted onto nitrocellulose membranes. Infected eels showed a specific antibody response to a 43 kDa antigen in the cuticle and towards two gonad antigens around 34 and 43 kDa. In protein released from the worms, two secretory/excretory antigens of approximately 28 kDa were found. The secretion/excretion rate of protein from the parasite to the surroundings was determined. Subsequently, an ELISA system was established applying these antigens as the first layer of coating. Furthermore, antigens from Anguillicola crassus were examined for the presence of glutathione-s-transferase (GST) using a specific antibody against GST. The antigens were found to be subunits of GST.