2D-PAGE analysis of Taenia solium metacestode 10―30 kDa antigens for the serodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis in children

Neurocysticercosis (NCC) caused by T. solium metacestode is an increasingly important health issue in Indian children. The sensitivity and specificity of available serological techniques were low in case of single cysticercus granuloma cases which is a more common feature in Indian patients who are children. Serum samples were collected from 13 clinically and radiologically suggestive NCC children and seropositive by ELISA, 25 clinically and radiologically suggestive NCC children and seronegative by ELISA and 25 control subjects. The 10-30 kDa antigens of T. solium metacestode were subjected to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) followed by enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay to detect antibody in serum. Analysis of 10-30 kDa antigenic fraction 2D-PAGE map showed 31 proteins between 10 and ≤28 kDa and innumerable proteins between >28 and 30 kDa with the Isoelectric point of 3-10. All the 13 (100%) NCC seropositive and 15 (60%) out of 25 NCC seronegative samples were reactive with 2D fraction antigens. In the control group, none of the serum was reactive except 2 hydatid samples (92% specificity). The sensitivity and specificity of 2D-PAGE EITB assay were significantly higher than the ELISA which is the routine diagnostic method used in the endemic countries for the serodiagnosis of neurocysticercosis.