A Comparative Study of Echinococcus Granulos from Human and Animal Hosts in Kenya Using Isoelectric Focusing and Isoenzyme Analysis

Abstract

A comparative s1udy of Echinococcus granulosus from human and animal hosts in Kenya using isoelectric: focusing and isoenzyme analysis. International Journal for Parasitology 12: 515-521. The soluble enzyme extracts from protoscoleces obtained from hydatid cysts of human, camel, camel, sheep, and goat origin were compared on 1he basis of their isoenzyme patterns for GPI and PGM using isoelectric focusing. Consistent GPI and PGM iso~nzymc patterns were obtained for larvae of human, camel and sheep material. Cattle material varied occasionally in having an additional ca1hodic band in some of the GPI patterns. Two distinct isoenzyme patterns were evident in the goat material for both enzymes. The more common goat patterns were similar 10 those of human, cattle and sheep (Kenya, U.K. and Argentina) mat~rial, which were similar rn each other. The rare goat patterns were similar to those obtained for camel material. Cyst location in the various intermediate hosts had no effec1 on the zymograms obtained. Additionally, no alteration in the major banding patterns was observed between 1hc larvae and homologous adults prndu.:ed by experimcn- 1al infections. Of 26 naturally infected dogs, 19 produced adult GPI zymograms resembling human/ sheep/ goat (common form) experimental infection patterns. three were similar to experimental cattle infections and four had camel/goat (rare form) patterns.