The role of adult worms in suppressing functional protective immunity to Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri challenge infections

Adult Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri, radiolabelled with [³⁵S]-methionine were successfully transferred to naive NIH mice by oral gavage. Adult worms and radio-label could be detected up to 45 days post-infection. Adult worms gavaged into immune NIH mice, immunized with a drug abbreviated larval infection, were rejected within 45 days. These adult worms were unable to ablate the development of a functional protective response to a larval challenge infection in the NIH strain. In fact 50 adult worms were sufficient to significantly immunize NIH mice against a larval challenge infection. However, adult worms were able to suppress the development of a functional protective response in an outbred CFLP strain. Although a protective immune response could not be elicited to a challenge infection in CBA mice, the presence of gavaged adult worms was shown to increase the susceptibility of mice to a challenge infection. For all mouse strains, no significant difference in levels of L4 antigen-specific serum IgG, IgG1, IgG2a, and IgA existed between immune mice and groups of mice immunosuppressed by adult worms. Levels of L4 antigen-specific serum IgG1 were significantly lower in the poorly immunizable CBA strain compared to CFLP and NIH strains. No correlation was found across mouse strains between the intensity of the antibody response and the mean worm burdens per animal group. In addition, no correlation was found between levels of L4 antigen-specific antibody within each mouse and the loss of worms by individual mice.     

Immunoglobulin class responses to Taenia taeniaeformis in susceptible and resistant mice

The immunoglobulin class response of two inbred strains of mice, C57BL/6 and C3H/He, to infection and challenge with Taenia taeniaeformis larvae was compared using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gel electrophoresis followed by immunoelectrotransfer blot (Western blotting) techniques. The C57BL/6 mice, which are relatively resistant to infection, had a more restricted humoral response than the more susceptible, C3H/He mice. C3H/He mice produced a wider range of immunoglobulin classes, in particular IgA and IgG3, to those antigens recognized by both strains of mice. In addition they produced antibodies to a wider range of antigens. The production of these additional antibodies by the susceptible strain raises the possibility that some of the antibodies may have specificities which interfere, or block the action of potentially protective antibodies. Antibodies, mainly of the IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b classes, to antigens of approximately less than 21,000, 21,000-23,000, 30,000 and 60,000 mol. wt, present both in the oncosphere and the metacestode extracts, were found in serum from previously infected and resistant mice of both strains. These antigens may be important in stimulating protective concomitant immunity.     

Antibody isotype responses to the Schistosoma mansoni schistosomulum in the CBA/N mouse induced by different stages of the parasite life cycle

Summary During infection with Schistosoma mansoni the extent and nature of immune reactions against schistosomula may be influenced by responses to cross-reactive antigens in eggs or adult worms, and there is now extensive evidence for cross-reactivity between the different stages of the parasite life cycle. In this study IgM and IgG subclass antibodies produced in (CBA/N × Balb/c) Fl male and female mice were measured over a period of time following exposure to a chronic infection, to unisexual male cercariae or to irradiated larvae. Antibody levels were also measured following immunization with antigen preparations derived from adult worms, schistosomula or eggs. (CBA/N × Balb/c) Fl male mice exhibit an X-linked immune deficiency which results in an inability to respond to T-independent (TI) type 2 polysaccharides. Isotype levels were measured by ELISA to detergent-soluble schistosomulum antigen. Results showed that antigens on the different stages of the parasite life cycle have a qualitative influence on the antibody response to the larval surface, and that T-independent type 2 polysaccharides, particularly abundant in egg. exhibit antigen-directed isotype restriction in the form of IgM and IgG3 antibodies.     

Inbred mice infected with Plasmodium yoelii differ in their antimalarial immunoglobulin isotype response

Antibodies are known to be important in mediating malarial immunity, but the influence of the various immunoglobulin isotypes on parasite elimination is unclear. The purpose of this study was to provide basic information on the induction of isotype expression in genetically different mice during primary malaria. Parasitaemias and the serum antimalarial IgM, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 and IgA antibody titres measured in a radioimmunoassay were followed in outbred and 11 inbred strains of mice infected with 17XNL Plasmodium yoelii. Severity of infection, as judged by length of infection, peak parasitaemias and death, was found to differ between the strains. All strains developed rapid IgM responses, but only 3/11 inbred strains produced significant antimalarial IgG1 levels during primary infection. All strains produced an IgG2 response, which developed slightly more quickly in strains with the least severe courses of malaria. A large variation in the IgG3 response was noted between strains. In general, IgG3 antibodies were the first IgG-isotype to appear in serum. They were detected as early as day 8 in strains that developed mild infections but were not present until around day 20 in strains with the most severe cases of malaria. Only one strain produced detectable antimalarial IgA antibodies. These results show that different patterns of isotype expression are induced in inbred strains of mice during primary P. yoelii infection.     

Structural and molecular specificity of antibody responses in mice immune to third stage larvae of Onchocerca volvulus

Immunization of mice with irradiated Onchocerca volvulus infective stage larvae (L3) has been demonstrated to confer protection against challenge infections with these larvae. Additionally, cytokine level measurements and cytokine depletion studies have shown that both IL-4 and IL-5 are important in generating a protective immune response against O. volvulus challenge infections, thus suggesting a dependency of protective immunity on IgG1, IgE and/or eosinophils. In the present study, we examined the humoral responses of immunized mice to O. volvulus L3 antigens. ELISA measurements of total serum antibody levels indicated that IgE was the only antibody isotype elevated in mice immunized with O. volvulus L3. IgM from immunized mice was the only isotype that recognized surface antigens on intact O. volvulus L3. IgG1, IgG3, IgE and IgA recognized internal parasite antigens on O. volvulus L3 frozen sections. Western blot analysis of L3 proteins showed that in serum from mice immunized with O. volvulus L3 IgG1, IgG2a/2b, IgA, and IgE, as well as IgM, recognized unique L3 proteins. Antibodies in serum from L3 immunized mice were able to detect O. volvulus adult antigens in a pattern similar to the recognition found in O. volvulus L3. Some L3 antigens were shared by adults, while other antigens were L3 specific. The ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot findings thus demonstrate a complex pattern of antigen recognition of parasite antigens by antibodies found in mice immune to the L3 of O. volvulus     

Effects of host serum on feeding by Trichostrongylus colubriformis (nematoda)

The effect of host serum on in vitro feeding by Trichostrongylus colubriformis was studied by incubating adult helminths in goat serum containing the dye, Rhodamine B. The amount of dye ingested was determined by fluorometric analysis. Immune serum from goats infected with T. colubriformis suppressed helminth feeding, while normal serum from uninfected goats did not. Suppression of feeding by immune serum increased with the duration of the host's infection. Heat-inactivation (56 degrees C) of immune serum did not affect its suppressive activity. Pre-exposure of worms to immune serum decreased subsequent feeding activity. However, rigorous washing of helminths restored their feeding to levels that were similar to untreated worms. Indirect immunofluorescent studies with immune serum and FITC conjugated rabbit anti-goat IgG demonstrated binding of immunoglobulin to the cuticle, stoma and excretory pore of whole worms. Feeding inhibition of immune serum was associated with IgG1 isotype. Results of the present studies indicated that IgG was responsible for in vitro suppression of T. colubriformis feeding and may be one effector of immunity to T. colubriformis in the goat.     

The relationship between circulating and intestinal Heligmosomoides polygyrus-specific IgG1 and IgA and resistance to primary infection

Specific serum and intestinal immunoglobulin (Ig)G1 and IgA responses to Heligmosomoides polygyrus were measured in a panel of seven inbred mouse strains which exhibit 'rapid' (<6 weeks (SWRxSJL)F1), 'fast' (<8 weeks, SJL and SWR), 'intermediate' (10-20 weeks, NIH and BALB/c) or 'slow' (>25 weeks, C57BL/10 and CBA) resolution of primary infections. Mice with 'rapid', 'fast' or 'intermediate' response phenotypes produced greater serum and intestinal antibody responses than those with 'slow' phenotypes. The F1 hybrids ((SWRxSJL)F1) of two 'fast' responder strains showed the earliest antibody response with maximum titres evident within 6 weeks of infection. There was a negative correlation between the serum IgG1 responses and worm burdens in individual mice within a number of mouse strains, and also between serum IgG1 and IgA responses and worm burdens in the 'rapid' ((SWRxSJL)F1) responder strain. The presence of IgG1 in the gut was found to be due to local secretion rather than plasma leakage. Using Western immunoblotting, serum IgG1 from 'rapid' and 'fast' responder but not 'slow' responder mice was found to react with low molecular weight antigens (16-18 kDa) in adult worm excretory/secretory products.     

Interferon-gamma and the induction of protective lgG2a antibodies in non-lethal Plasmodium berghei infections of mice

Mice treated with anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibodies were unable to recover from infection with an attenuated variant of P. berghei (Pb XAT) which causes non-lethal malaria in normal mice. On the other hand, treatment with anti-lL-4 monoclonal antibodies had no effect on the course of infection. IFN-gamma was produced by spleen cells in vitro during the early phase of the infection. Treatment with anti-IFN-gamma suppressed development of an anti-plasmodial IgG2a immunoglobulin isotype in the serum of infected mice whereas anti-IL-4 interfered with the IgGl response. An lgG2a fraction of immune serum collected from mice that had recovered from Pb XA T transferred immunity to naive mice but the IgGl fraction did not. When glutaraldehyde fixed parasitized erythrocytes were incubated with immune serum in suspension, specific IgG2a antibodies were detected by fluorescein staining on the membranes of cells infected with mature stages of parasites. These results indicate that IFN-gamma is a key to inducing B cells to produce the protective anti-plasmodial IgG2a immunoglobulin isotype. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated parasite killing seems to be involved in the mechanism of recovery from infection with Pb XAT.     

Nutrition, immunity and helminth infection: effect of dietary protein on the dynamics of the primary antibody response to Trichuris muris (Nematoda) in CBA/Ca mice

The effect of dietary protein on the specific antibody responses (total immunoglobulins, IgG1 and IgA) to the intestinal nematode Trichuris muris was studied in CBA/Ca mice fed isocaloric diets containing 16% or 4% protein. Mice fed the 16% diet and given a high infection dose of 650 eggs expelled almost their entire primary infection by day 21 post infection. In similarly infected animals fed the 4% protein diet, there was prolonged survival of adult worms. At a low infection dose of 10 eggs, there was no evidence of an expulsion response in either dietary group. The primary antibody response to parasite excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen was time-dependent, regardless of dietary protein or infection dose, and was predominantly an IgG1 response. Within each dietary group, antibody production and antigen recognition occurred earlier and the antibody responses were more intense in mice given the higher infection dose. The principal finding was that the specific antibody response was more vigorous, both quantitatively (serum titres) and qualitatively (antigen recognition by IgG1), in mice on a low protein diet, even though worm expulsion did not occur in these hosts. This result suggests that serum antibody level or antigen recognition is not related simply to protective immunity against T. muris in CBA/Ca mice.     

Giardiasis in mice: analysis of humoral and cellular immune responses to Giardia muris

Summary Humoral and cellular immune responses have been evaluated in two inbred strains of mice which differ markedly in their susceptibility to infection with Giardia muris. Serum IgG and IgA antibody levels and IgA levels in intestinal washes were determined by a solid-phase radioimmunoassay using G. muris antigen prepared by sonication of trophozoites, while cell-mediated immunity was assessed by a radiometric ear-assay for delayed-type hypersensitivity. Following infection of BALB/c mice (resistant) and C3H/He mice (susceptible), the IgG and IgA antibody levels in serum progressively increased over the period of study with C3H/He mice having significantly higher titres of IgA antibodies than BALB/c late in the infection. Systemic immunization with G. muris trophozoites resulted in high titres of IgG antibodies in the serum. IgA antibodies were detected in intestinal washes 2 weeks after infection with a subsequent fall in levels in BALB/c mice but a progressive increase in levels in C3H/He mice. Prior immunization resulted in IgA antibodies being detected earlier in the intestinal washings after a challenge infection. Delayed-type hypersensitivity to G. muris antigens could not be detected during an infection but a positive response was elicited following antigen priming in mice pretreated with cyclophosphamide. The immune responses evaluated in this study were assessed using a whole G. muris trophozoite sonicate and variations in the quantitative aspects of the responses did not account for observed differences in the course of infection in the two strains of mice.     

Antibodies of different immunoglobulin isotypes in serum and bile of patients with clonorchiasis.

Specimens of serum and bile from patients were assayed by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to reveal antibodies specific to antigens from adult Clonorchis sinensis. Antibodies of the IgG isotype showed the greatest elevation during infection (Student's t-test, P < 0.001), whereas serum IgA and IgE and secretory IgA in bile were moderately elevated (P < 0.05). Major differences in the distribution of antibodies among the IgG subclasses were observed between patients who were and those who were not infected. IgG4 antibody levels were elevated in the serum and bile of infected patients, and there were significant correlations between the levels of IgG and IgG4 antibodies and the intensity of infection.     

SjAWMAg免疫血清和吡喹酮联用体内杀不同发育期血吸虫的实验研究

目的　观察日本血吸虫成虫表膜抗原(SjAWMAg)免疫血清与吡喹酮合用对不同发育期血吸虫的杀虫效果,探讨体液免疫在吡喹酮杀虫中的作用。　方法　提取 SjAWMAg,并用 SDS PAGE 对其进行鉴定,制备高滴度(1∶25 600)SjAWMAg抗血清,采用Western blot分析该血清与肺期童虫、肝期童虫及成虫抗原的反应性;将 SjAWMAg抗血清与吡喹酮合用治疗血吸虫感染后第2 d、第14 d和第35 d的小鼠,在感染后第49 d剖杀小鼠收获虫体,计算减虫率和减卵率。结果　Western blot分析表明,SjAWMAg抗血清与肺期及肝期童虫抗原存在交叉反应; 联合用药的 3 个治疗组(感染2、14、35 d)与单用吡喹酮组比较杀虫作用均有显著提高,减虫率分别提高了 38.79%、29.80%和 46.82%,其中以感染35 d治疗组提高最显著;减卵率分别提高了 62.04%,42.78%和 29.81%,以感染 2 d治疗组更为显著。结论抗SjAWMAg多克隆抗体与吡喹酮联合使用,均可提高吡喹酮对不同发育期血吸虫的杀灭效果,揭示体液免疫在吡喹酮杀血吸虫过程中具有重要作用,同时提示这种联合用药可能解决单用吡喹酮治疗血吸虫早期感染效果不佳的难题。     

The development of resistance in different inbred strains of mice to infection with Nematospiroides dubius

Infection by the intestinal nematode parasite Nematospiroides dubius was studied in seven different inbred mouse strains. Although there was some minor variation in the susceptibility of the different strains to a primary infection there were marked differences in their ability to develop resistance to infection following repeated exposure to infective larvae. The strains of mice which developed the best resistance also expelled adult worms arising from the previous infections. The adult worms resulting from a primary infection were slowly eliminated in two inbred strains studied whereas no loss occurred from outbred LACA mice. Although males and females of two strains, C3H/HeJ and CBA/H were equally susceptible to a primary infection, the females developed better resistance than the male mice following two oral administrations of third stage larvae. Infected mice of every strain and both sexes contained high levels of IgG1 in the serum.     

Immunological relationships during primary infection with Heligmosomoides polygyrus (Nematospiroides dubius): parasite specific IgG1 antibody responses and primary response phenotype

IgG1 antibody responses to Heligmosomoides polygyrus were measured in eight mouse strains supporting acute (< 8 weeks, SJL, SWR), intermediate (10–20 weeks, NIH, BALB/c) or chronic (> 25 weeks, C57BL/0, CBA, C3H, AKR) primary infections. Mice supporting acute or intermediate infections produced more intense antibody responses and total serum IgG1 concentrations were higher than in mice tolerating chronic infections. Positive correlations across mouse strains between the intensity of the antibody response and the percentage loss of worms in weeks 6 and 10 were established. No correlation was found between the response within mouse strains and loss of worms by individual mice. Heavy infections gave marginally higher antibody titres than low intensity infections, but few significant differences were detected and it was concluded that infection intensity did not markedly influence the magnitude of the antibody response. Male and female mice responded similarly despite the earlier loss of worms from females. No association was found between the primary response phenotype and recognition of particular antigens in Western blot analysis, nor did intensity of infection or host gender affect recognition. The possibility that immunomodulatory properties of adult worms may have had a differential influence on ability of strains of contrasting response phenotype to mount IgG1 responses was discussed.     

Antibody isotypes in human schistosomiasis mansoni

Summary Summary Schistosoma mansoni-infected subjects from the Gezira Irrigated Area of Sudan were studied for serum immunoglobulin levels, and specific antibody titres to larval, adult and egg stage antigens, by class and IgG subclass. The 276 subjects were adult chronic cases (frequently exposed male canal cleaners), primary school children, and hospital-referred cases with acute symptoms including hepatosplenomegaly. Chronic untreated cases were compared with a similar group of canal cleaners 3 months after successful chemotherapy with Praziquantel administered at the start of the non-transmission season. All cases, except those previously treated, were egg positive at the time of blood sampling. Data from infected and treated cases were compared with measurements of serum immunoglobulin in a panel of European blood donors. The major findings are as follows: There is a consistently elevated total serum IgG concentration in infected groups which is accounted for mainly by an increased IgG1 subclass (greatest in chronic cases) and by a remarkable 10-to 11-fold increase in IgG4 in the untreated chronically infected group and in the schoolchildren. All infected groups showed high IgG antibody responses to all life cycle stage antigens, and IgM titres were high to adult and egg antigens in untreated canal cleaners. Major differences were evident in the distribution of IgG subclass antibodies between the infected groups: the response to larval and adult antigens is poor or absent in IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 in untreated chronic infections but is high in IgG4, whereas in acute cases with hepatosplenomegaly and in schoolchildren IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 antibodies to larval antigens are in high titre but IgG4 and IgM responses to larvae are low or absent, the response in these isotypes being restricted in these cases to adult and egg antigens. Comparing the treated and untreated canal cleaners, although these are separate groups, the data suggest that Praziquantel reduces total serum IgA and IgM levels but has little effect on the raised IgG component except for the IgG4 subclass. The treated chronic cases show a reversal in the ratio of IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 to IgG4 antibodies to larval and adult antigens compared with the untreated chronic group—the IgG4 response being low by 3 months after treatment and the IgG1, IgG2 and IgG3 being high. These data are discussed in relation to the possible importance of antibody isotype selection in determining host susceptibility to infection, with reference to age, exposure and treatment of the host.     

The cross-reactive immune response between infective larvae and adult worms of Acanthocheilonema (Dipetalonema) viteae is dominated by phosphorylcholine

The immune response of BALB/c mice against living L3 or adult extract of Acanthocheilonema viteae induces three antibody populations, namely antibodies which cross-react between the two forms of A. viteae, and either (i) do, or (ii) do not express specificity for phosphorylcholine (PC), and (iii) antibodies which do not cross-react between the two stages. In the anti-L3 serum, almost all cross-reactive antibodies to adult antigen are PC specific and of the IgM isotype, apart from a minor non-PC-reactive IgE response. On the other hand, the cross-reactive antibodies in the anti-adult serum are not PC reactive and of the IgG3 isotype. The non-cross-reactive antibodies in the two sera were predominantly IgM and IgG2/IgG1 for the anti-L3 and anti-adult respectively. Immunofluorescence and immunocytochemical studies on third-stage larvae and female worms revealed that antigens expressing PC determinants were mainly found on certain internal structures, whereas the cuticles of adults and the outer cuticle part of L3 are PC negative. Topographical analyses revealed distinct differences in labelling patterns by the two antisera, in the different areas. Thus the cross-reactive and non-cross-reactive antibodies induced by BALB/c mice to the two stages of A. viteae are different in nature. Since the antibody response induced by the L3 form and cross-reactive to the adult form is directed towards an ubiquitous antigen, namely PC, which is not present on cuticula of either the L3 or adult worms, this response may not contribute to protection against the parasite.     

Pulmonary and serum isotypic antibody responses of mice to live and inactivated influenza virus

Primary and secondary immunoglobulin class-specific antibody responses in serum and pulmonary lavage fluids of mice were studied after respiratory infection and intramuscular vaccination with influenza virus. Infection and vaccination with inactivated virus vaccine induced primary IgM and IgG antibody responses in the serum and pulmonary lavage fluids (PLF). Neither immunizing method induced detectable serum IgA antibodies, and only infection generated IgA antibodies in PLF. The major portion of antibodies in PLF was derived from serum, but local synthesis of IgG and IgA antibodies was detected after virus infection. Vaccination of infection-primed mice boosted the IgM and IgG antibody concentrations in serum and PLF but had no effect on IgA antibody concentrations. Nonlethal infection of vaccine-primed mice generated secondary IgM and IgG antibody responses in serum and PLF and an IgA antibody response in PLF. Again, most of the antibody detected in PLF was derived from serum, but low concentrations of IgA and IgG were synthesized locally after infection. Although mice immunized with inactivated vaccine lacked the capacity to synthesize IgA antibody, they were protected from severe pulmonary disease when challenged with lethal influenza virus. These data support the concept that serum IgG antibodies are sufficient for prevention of severe pulmonary disease.     

血吸虫对吡喹酮抗药性的研究Ⅴ吡喹酮对曼氏血吸虫吡喹酮抗性株和敏感株成虫皮层的损伤

目的 体内比较吡喹酮对曼氏血吸虫吡喹酮抗性株与敏感株成虫皮层的损伤程度。方法 用各虫株尾蚴分别感染小鼠,感染后第57天,以300mg/kg微粒化吡喹酮悬液对小鼠作灌胃治疗;在灌药后10、30min和1、12、24h后剖杀感染小鼠,门静脉灌注收集成虫,按常规方法制成扫描电镜标本,扫描电镜下观察成虫体表的变化。结果 吡喹酮诱导的皮层损伤主要为虫体表形成泡状结构的薄壁隆起;给药10min,敏感株雄虫皮层可见较多小泡状物,而抗性株则少见;1h后,敏感株虫体表可见大量的泡状物,泡状物溃破可形成皮层损伤灶,抗性株仅见少量的泡状物;24h后,敏感株雄虫体表完全受损,部分皮层剥落,暴露出肌肉层,而抗性株仅见少量泡状物和破损的泡状物。给药1h后,敏感株雌虫开始出现少量泡状物,抗性株雌虫体表未见泡状损伤;12h后,敏感株雌虫泡状物数量增加,抗性株仅在有限区域见少量泡状物。结论 抗性株和敏感株成虫体表吡喹酮诱导的皮层损伤程度存在明显差异,敏感株的损伤程度重于抗性株,雄虫重于雌虫。     

Analysis of antibody responses to Hymenolepis nana infection in mice by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation

Serum antibody responses in two strains of mice infected with embryonated eggs of Hymenolepis nana were analysed by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoprecipitation (IP) using sodium deoxycholate (DOC)-solubilized antigens prepared from embryonated eggs (eggs), mouse-derived cysticercoids (cysts) and adult tapeworms with immature segments only (adults). Highly susceptible dd mice, which harbour mature tapeworms for a long period (greater than 70 days), produced high levels of antibodies to all three different stages of H. nana. BALB/c mice, almost all of which expel adult tapeworms by 30 days after infection, produced high levels of antibody against egg antigens only. The high antibody titres to cyst and adult antigens in dd mice did not lead to expulsion of the worms. However, worms are rejected early in BALB/c mice when there is little or no detectable serum antibody. The antibody responses to eggs seen in BALB/c mice which had long since shed their adult worms were probably due to ingestion of eggs from faeces of other infected mice. Antibodies to eggs were not detected in BALB/c mice which were initially inoculated with eggs (day 0) and then treated with praziquantel on day 6 after the tissue phase of infection only. The different antibody responses to egg antigens and the other two antigens (cyst and adult) in BALB/c mice suggest a difference in antigen specificity between eggs and both cysts and adults. A major antigen component with Mr 32,000 appears to be specific to the egg (or oncosphere) stage of H. nana. Antibody to this major component of eggs was absorbed only with intact eggs, but not with intact cysts nor adults with immature segments only, so that the antigen appears to be on the surface of the oncosphere.     

Cats with single Brugia pahangi infections: relationship between parasitological status and humoral responses to somatic and surface parasite antigens

Cats given a single inoculation of Brugia pahangi infective larvae (L3) were retrospectively allocated into three groups according to parasitological outcome of infection. Recognition of somatic and surface antigens of B. pahangi by sera from each group was compared by ELISA, immunoelectroblotting, and immunoprecipitation techniques. In cats that never became microfilaraemic mean serum IgG antibody levels against somatic extracts from adult male worms, L3, and microfilariae (mf) were higher than levels in cats that initially became microfilaraemic (mf + ve) then spontaneously became nonmicrofilaraemic (mf - ve). The lowest levels of antibody against each stage were found in cats that remained persistently mf + ve. Antigenic components of 18 kD and 22 kD in somatic extracts of adult worms and L3 were recognized by sera from cats that never became mf + ve and by spontaneously mf - ve cats, but not by sera of persistently mf + ve cats. When radioiodinated surface antigens of mixed adult worms and microfilariae were immunoprecipitated by sera from cats in the three groups, no correlation was observed between recognition of individual antigen components and parasitological outcome of infection.