Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
High Yield Purification of Plasmodium falciparum Merozoites For Use in Opsonizing Antibody Assays
Published on: July 17, 2014
Immunochemical characterization and diagnostic potential of a 63-kilodalton Schistosoma antigen
A M Attallah1, E Yones, H Ismail
1Biotechnology Research Center, New Damietta City, Egypt.
Insights
A new monoclonal antibody (MAb) detects a 63-kD circulating antigen in urine for diagnosing schistosomiasis. This method shows high accuracy in identifying active Schistosoma infections.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Parasitology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Schistosomiasis diagnosis relies on detecting circulating antigens.
- Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) offer specific detection methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a MAb for detecting Schistosoma mansoni circulating antigens.
- To assess the diagnostic potential of a specific antigen in urine samples.
Main Methods:
- Generation of anti-S. mansoni IgG2a MAb (C5C4).
- Characterization of the target epitope's molecular size and source.
- Analysis using Fast Dot-Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Dot-ELISA).
Main Results:
- The C5C4 MAb targets a 63-kD protein antigen present in S. mansoni and S. haematobium.
- A 50-kD degradation product was found in urine of infected individuals.
- Fast Dot-ELISA detected the 63-kD antigen in 92% of infected individuals, with 16% false positives.
Conclusions:
- The C5C4 MAb and the 63-kD antigen are valuable for diagnosing human schistosomiasis.
- The developed assay provides a rapid and simple method for schistosomiasis detection.
Abstract:
Schistosoma circulating antigens were used for the detection of active infection. Anti-S. mansoni IgG2a monoclonal antibody (MAb) designated C5C4 was generated. The target epitope of this MAb was detected in adult worms, eggs, and cercariae antigenic extracts of S. mansoni and S. haematobium, had a molecular size of 63 kD, and was not detected in Fasciola hepatica and Ascaris. In addition, a 50-kD degradation product was identified only in the urine of infected individuals. Analysis by high-performance liquid chromatography of the purified antigen demonstrated only one peak. The 63-kD antigen was characterized as a protein containing 40.4% hydrophobic, 7.5% acidic, and 8.8% basic amino acids. The C5C4 MAb was used in a Fast Dot-ELISA for rapid and simple diagnosis of human schistosomiasis. The 63-kD circulating antigen was detected in 92% of urine samples from 330 S. mansoni-infected individuals, with 16% false-positive results among 130 noninfected individuals.
