Cross reactivity between ES and somatic antigens of Fasciola spp in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay

Excretory-secretory (ES) and somatic antigens of Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica were prepared from freshly collected flukes. Laboratory bred rabbits were immunized with antigens for preparation of antisera. ES antigens of both species showed strong positive reaction with antisera raised against ES and somatic antigens of parasite. Somatic antigens of both species also showed strong positive reaction with antisera raised against somatic and ES antigens of parasite. In homologous combination of antigens and antisera higher enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) values was observed in comparison with heterologous combination, so it was concluded that ES and somatic antigens of Fasciola spp have strong cross reaction with each other but the antigenic materials of ES and somatic products of parasite are not completely the same.