|
To evaluate the Paragonimus-specific IgG antibody test in dog paragonimiasis, micro-ELISA test was performed. A total of 10 dogs was infected with 5, 10, 20, 30 and 80 metacercariae of Paragonimus westermani, which were collected from maturally infected craydish. Differential count of eosiniphils in peripheral blood, stool examination for Paragonimus eggs, intradermal tests by VBS antigens of Paragonimus and Clonorchis, agar gel diffusion test were performed every one or two weeks interval until 12-15 weeks of infection. At the end of observations, dogs were killed to examine the status of infection. Micro-ELISA tests were performed by the following method; Saline extract of adult Paragonimus westermani, diluted 1:100(10.5 μg/ml), serum diluted 1:1000, substrate 0.1% OPD solution with H_2O_2. The fillowing results were obtained: 1. At infection periods 4-15 weeks. The worm recovery rate was 58.4% in dogs examined. The majority of worms were found in upper abdominal cavity at 4th week of infection; in thoracic cavity in 6th week, in lung tissue later than 8th week. 2. Peripheral eosinophil count was definitely elevated later than 6th week of infection in 3 dogs out of 6 examined. 3. Eggs of paragonimus began to appear in stool by 8th week of infection when examined weekly interval. 4. The positive intradermal reactions to VBS antigen of Paragonimus began to develop at 2nd week of infaction. However, period to positive reaction varied by individuall, and may be delayed to 10th week. the intradermal test was the most sensitive method of diagnosis among three serological tests employed. 5. Agar gel diffusion test showed varied results by individual and by week of infrction. Only one precipitin band was observed even inpositive sera. Positive reaction began to appear later than 6 weeks after infection. 6. Paragonimus-specific IgG antibody level as measured by micro-ELISA increased logistically until 12th week of infection. When compared with results of agar gel diffusion, absorbance read at 492nm, 0.4 was considered as positive critrtion in our test system From the above results, it was concluded that the above results, it was concluded that the specific IgG antibody response in experimental paragonimiasis in dog was delayed and variable in early stage of infection.
|