Diagnosis of Taenia saginata cysticercosis by immunohistochemical test on formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded bovine lesions

Abstract

A new method of diagnosing cysticercus or larval stage of the human tapeworm, Taenia saginata, also known as Cysticercus bovis, in formalin-fixed bovine tissue was developed using a monoclonal antibody to T. saginata and avidin-biotin complex immunohistochemistry. Grossly recognizable viable and degenerate cysts were identifiable after immunohistochemical staining and could be differentiated from Sarcocystis, Actinobacillus, or non-cyst, normal bovine structures. The new test should permit laboratory confirmation of suspected T. saginata cysticercus lesions.