Microbiology · Parasitology (Protozoa, Plasmodium, Helminths, Nematodes, Cestodes, Trematodes)

Cysticercus cellulosae infection in the human CNS elicits which primary immunological response that forms the basis of serology-based diagnosis using EITB (enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot)?

  • A IgM antibodies against cysticercal glycoprotein antigens in the 12–20 kDa range
  • B IgE antibodies causing eosinophilia against larval excretory-secretory (ES) antigens
  • C IgG antibodies against lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins (GP50, GP42–39, GP24, GP21, GP18, GP14, GP13) of Taenia solium cysticerci
  • D Complement-fixing IgG4 against paramyosin in the tegument
Correct answer: C. IgG antibodies against lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins (GP50, GP42–39, GP24, GP21, GP18, GP14, GP13) of Taenia solium cysticerci

Explanation

The EITB (also called the CDC-EITB or western blot) for neurocysticercosis uses seven lentil lectin-purified glycoproteins of Taenia solium cysticerci (GP50, GP42-39, GP24, GP21, GP18, GP14, GP13); detection of any of these glycoprotein bands by patient serum IgG constitutes a positive result. The test has sensitivity of ~98% and specificity of ~100% in patients with 2+ viable or dead cysts. IgM is not the target of EITB. IgE and eosinophilia occur with invasive nematodes. IgG4 against paramyosin is relevant for schistosomiasis.

Reference: Ananthanarayan & Paniker's Textbook of Microbiology, 11th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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