Cysticercus cellulosae antigens in the serodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis

Abstract

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) is difficult to diagnose clinically because of its varied clinical presentation. However, an accurate diagnosis is possible only after suspicion on epidemiological grounds, proper interpretation of the clinical data, analysis of the findings on imaging studies, and specific immunological tests on the serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The diagnosis of NCC by any single parameter thus continues to remain difficult. In the past, detection of NCC was based on autopsy studies and histological confirmation. In recent times, the advent of imaging methods such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have provided excellent non-invasive tools for easy detection of NCC. Nevertheless, an imaging technique of the brain, although useful, is not considered as a gold standard for the diagnosis of NCC. Serological tests are being increasingly used in adjunct with imaging techniques, to aid the diagnosis of NCC. Immunodiagnostic techniques include detection methods for specific antibodies and for circulating parasite antigens in the serum and CSF. Currently, many of the immunodiagnostic tests, including the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and enzyme immunotransfer blot, use purified native antigens for the immunodiagnosis of NCC. Nevertheless, the main problem with the use of native cysticercal antigens is that the native proteins often show cross reactions with sera from humans infected with other parasites. The preparation of native antigens also demand a constant supply of parasitic material from the intermediate host pig. In order to overcome the problems in using native antigens, the recombinant antigens or synthetic peptides, which can be produced under stable conditions, are being evaluated for the serodiagnosis of NCC.

Taenia larvae possess distinct acetylcholinesterase profiles with implications for host cholinergic signalling

“…No obvious staining of AChEs on the surface of the larvae is described, apart from positive staining in a few surface nerve endings. We further found one other report of cholinesterase activity in T. solium larvae, with activity predominantly present in the isolated cyst bladder ( [39] cited in [40]).…”

“…We further found one other report of cholinesterase activity in T . solium larvae, with activity predominantly present in the isolated cyst bladder ([ 39 ] cited in [ 40 ]).…”

Laboratory diagnosis of Taenia asiatica in humans and animals

“…[ 15 16 ] For diagnosis of cysticercosis, crude or purified glycoproteins from cyst fluid and wall of T. solium or Taenia crassiceps have been utilized in EITB with high sensitivity and specificity. [ 17 18 19 20 ] Antigen-based ELISA are helpful in detection of active cysticercosis. Immunoblot patterns of sera from T. asiatica -infected humans had been extensively studied using adult and egg antigens of Taenia and were compared with other cestode infections by Jeon and Eom.…”

A review on diagnostic and preventive aspects of cystic echinococcosis and human cysticercosis

“…[47] All these antigens have been evaluated with varying degrees of sensitivity and specificity. [48] As compared to crude antigens, various purified antigenic components have been found to perform better in immunodiagnostic assays.…”