RESUMO
Aqueous-soluble (AS) antigens from larvae of Strongyloides stercoralis, extracted with phosphate-buffered saline, are traditionally used for serodiagnosis of strongyloidiasis. To identify sources of antigens for use in serodiagnosis, residual particulates from parasite larvae after aqueous extraction were solubilized with Tris-buffered 8M urea, yielding a urea-soluble (US) antigen fraction. Both AS and US antigens from S. stercoralis were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No significative differences were observed between AS and US antigens from the parasite regarding specific antigenic activity and cross-reactivity. Immunoassays are highly dependent on the antigen for sensitivity and specificity. Crude extracts from S. stercoralis should be further studied, mainly in relation to antigenic fractions which could provide even more sensitive and specific results. Studies of fractionation of S. stercoralis must take into account the antigen yield of both the crude extract and fractions, since larvae of parasite are normally difficult to obtain. Considering this aspect, the results from this study are very useful, since the extraction with urea substantially increased the amounts of antigenic materials normally obtained with the classical aqueous extraction.