The identification of specific antigens of Toxocara canis is important in order to develop better diagnostic techniques. Embryonated egg antigen (EE Ag) was used to detect the antibody titers in experimentally infected rabbits, where titers of antibodies appeared two weeks post-infection with ELISA then they increased with the progress of infection. SDS PAGE of EE Ag showed seven bands with molecular weight 135, 80, 45, 35, 28, 24 and 22 kDa. The western blot technique detected the specific epitopes of EE Ag gave 6 bands from the second week (35, 33, 28, 24, 22, & 21 kDa), while at the end of the experiment (9 weeks p.i) gave 8 bands (80, 38, 31, 28, 24, 22, 21, & 17 kDa). The most of these bands were of low molecular weight which was a specific property of EE Ag. The bands (28 & 24 kDa) were detected along the course of infection, so it may be protective bands. While the bands (80 & 38 kDa) were a diagnostic bands and appeared at the end of the experiment.
Key words: Toxocara canis, embryonated egg, antigen, immune, rabbit, ELISA, SDSPAGE, Immunoblot
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