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Antigenic variability in Trichuris trichiura populations
R M Currie1, C S Needham, L J Drake
1Wellcome Trust Centre for the Epidemiology of Infectious Disease, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK. rachel.currie@zoology.oxford.ac.uk
Parasitology
|November 20, 1998
Summary
Human whipworm (Trichuris trichiura) shows significant antigenic variability between and within worms. This immune evasion may impact the development of effective immunity against this parasitic nematode.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Trichuris trichiura, the human whipworm, is a significant intestinal nematode parasite.
- Understanding antigenic variability is crucial for developing effective vaccines and treatments against parasitic infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antigenic variability of Trichuris trichiura.
- To examine the recognition of somatic antigens by host IgG antibodies.
- To explore potential implications for host immunity development.
Main Methods:
- Collection of Trichuris trichiura worms from three children with intense infections in Jamaica.
- Immunoblotting techniques were used to analyze the recognition of somatic antigens by IgG antibodies.
- Plasma samples were used to probe for antigen recognition patterns.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in the recognition of two selected somatic antigens were observed among different worm populations.
- Antigenic differences were noted between male and female Trichuris trichiura worms.
- Evidence of antigenic variability within individual worm populations was also found.
Conclusions:
- Trichuris trichiura exhibits considerable antigenic variability at multiple levels.
- This variability may represent a mechanism for immune evasion by the parasite.
- Findings have implications for understanding host immune responses and developing control strategies.