Porcine Cysticercosis: Possible Cross-Reactivity of Taenia hydatigena to GP50 Antigen in the Enzyme-Linked Immunoelectrotransfer Blot Assay

Abstract

The lentil lectin glycoprotein enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (LLGP EITB, reported sensitivity 99% and specificity 100%) is used as a serologic marker of exposure to in pigs. However, only a limited number of parasites have been evaluated for cross reactivity. Pigs may host other related cestode infections, including which have not been formally evaluated for cross-reactions. We investigated a corral in Tumbes, Peru, a region where a cysticercosis elimination demonstration project was completed in 2012. In this corral, 14/19 (73.7%) 6-8-week-old piglets were reactive to GP50 on LLGP EITB, and all had circulating sp. antigens. From eight necropsied piglets; four were infected with metacestodes whereas none had evidence of infection. Two resident dogs were subsequently confirmed to have taeniasis. These results suggest GP50 cross-reactivity in infected pigs, although controlled experimental infection is needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Molecular Detection of Taeniid Eggs in Beetles Collected in an Area Endemic for Taenia solium

“…19 This is a known problem in relation to making the immunodiagnosis of porcine cysticercosis because these species have antigenic proteins in common, which affects detection, both of circulating parasite antigens and of some of the most frequent diagnostic antibodies. 20 Seven samples were positive for the COI gene. However, it was not possible to obtain the sequences of two samples.…”

Clustering of Necropsy-Confirmed Porcine Cysticercosis Surrounding Taenia solium Tapeworm Carriers in Peru

“…This could have caused some low-level seropositivity among uninfected pigs and could explain the occurrence of seropositive pigs distant from identified tapeworm carriers. 10 An important unanswered question about cysticercosis is the mechanism by which pigs are exposed to and infected with T. solium eggs. Our observations of strong clustering of infected pigs around tapeworm carriers combined with the lack of human sanitation found in these villages (49% of households report open field defecation) are consistent with An unexpected finding of this analysis that is inconsistent with this proposed mechanism, however, was the low burden of cysts found in infected pigs.…”

“…7,8 This assay measures antibody reactivity of pig serum to seven lentil-lectin-purified glycoprotein antigens isolated from native cysts and is highly sensitive (89%) but poorly specific (48%) for detecting active T. solium cyst infection. 9,10 Following serological analysis, study staff returned to the study villages and offered to purchase all pigs from pig owners at fair market prices. All pigs residing in the study villages were considered eligible and targeted for purchase.…”

Barriers to Participation in a Community-Based Program to Control Transmission of Taenia solium in Peru

“…The GP50 band was not considered, given recent studies suggesting cross-reactivity with Taenia hydatigena, which is endemic to this region. 25 Mass screening for taeniasis at study end. The prevalence of taeniasis at the end of the study was a secondary outcome.…”