Observations on the effects of cysticercosis immune sera on cysticercosis by scanning electronmicroscopy

Two antigens of Taenia solium cysticercus, cystic fluid antigen (CFA) and the culture medium antigen (CMA), were used respectively to immunize rabbits in order to obtain immunosera. The CMA immunoserum added to culture medium with cysticerci limited the activities of the bladder worms. By using the scanning electronmicroscope, we could observe particulate deposits on the surface of the scolices, suckers and necks of the worms. The CFA immunoserum group showed similar changes but the deposit was less than that on the worms in the former group and appeared mainly on the cystic wall. After adding complement to the two groups mentioned above, we found that the microcilia on the surface of the worms were swollen and were seriously damaged. The worms treated with praziquantel were damaged over large area of their surfaces and were affected deep into their tissues. The damaged parts of the worms were quite different between the two groups. CMA is secreted by the living worms and therefore the serum antibodies are more effective than CFA in anti-parasite activity.