Antigenic cross-reactivity between Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides in a community in Papua New Guinea infected predominantly with hookworm.

Pritchard, D. I. and Quinnell, R. J. and McKean, Paul G. and Walsh, L. and Leggett, K. V. and Slater, A. F. and Raiko, A. and Dale, D. D. and Keymer, A. E. (1991) Antigenic cross-reactivity between Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides in a community in Papua New Guinea infected predominantly with hookworm. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 85 (4). pp. 511-514. ISSN 0035-9203

Abstract

Sero-epidemiological data are presented in which antigenic cross-reactivity between Necator americanus and Ascaris lumbricoides has been investigated in a community in Papua New Guinea infected predominantly with N. americanus. It is our contention that the antigenic cross-reactivity which undoubtedly exists between these species accounted for (i) a peak in antibody levels against N. americanus in 10-13 years old children (driven by infection with A. lumbricoides), and (ii) the maintenance of apparent antibody levels against A. lumbricoides in older age groups (driven by infection with N. americanus in the absence of overt infection with A. lumbricoides). Cross-reactivity was analysed further, and apparently N. americanus-specific epitopes identified, by immunoblotting. These observations could have considerable bearing on the interpretation of data from sero-epidemiological studies which failed to take account of concurrent infection with these parasites.