Taenia solium metacestode glycoproteins as diagnostic antigens for solitary cysticercus granuloma in Indian patients

Abstract
Taenia solium metacestode glycoproteins specific for lentil lectin were evaluated as diagnostic antigens for solitary cysticercus granulomas in Indian patients, using both an ELISA and immunoblotting. In 250 patients suspected to have neurocysticercosis and subjected to a computerized tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging, the proteins were diagnostic by the ELISA in 86 patients (80%) and by immunoblots in 67 (62%) of 107 patients with solitary cysticerus granuloma. Among 100 non-cysticercosis patients, the ELISA and immunoblot were negative in 94% and 97% respectively. No cross-reactions were observed with sera from patients with central nervous system tuberculosis. Proteins of ≤18 kDa were the most diagnostic for solitary cysticercus granuloma.