The present study examines antigenic variability for the human
whipworm Trichuris trichiura. Recognition by IgG of
somatic antigens of individual worms collected from 3 intensely infected
children from Jamaica, West Indies has been
investigated by immunoblotting. When probed with 1 plasma sample,
significant differences in recognition of 2 selected
antigens among worm populations and between male and female worms
was observed. In addition, there was evidence
for antigenic variability within worm populations at the individual
worm level. Such variation may have considerable
implications for the development of immunity to parasitic nematodes.