Characterization of specific Trichomonas vaginalis target antigens from different isolates by immunoblotting against hyperimmune rabbit serum.

: The SDS-PAGE and immunoblot methods were used to identify Trichomonas vaginalis specific target antigen(s). Ten T. vaginalis isolates, cultured on TYM media, were analyzed by Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate Poly Acrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), revealed 34 distinct bands. Immunoblotting against a hyperimmune rabbit serum, showed 20 reactive bands ranging from 14-205 kDa. There was isolate to isolate variability among 8 isolates, while 2 isolates (6,7) showed a similar antigenic patterns. Imunoblotting of the isolates showed a total of 20 molecular weight bands, 80% of isolates gave positive immunologic reactions above 100 kDa, while below 100 Kda all the isolates recognized the different molecular weight bands. Out of 20 reacting bands, 5 main bands were detected, 29, 66, 84, 95 & 115 kDa gave positive percent of 60, 60, 60, 90 & 80% among the 10 isolates respectively.