Escherichia coli shares T- and B-lymphocyte epitopes with Schistosoma mansoni.

Background: In this study, we tested the cross-reaction between crude Escherichia coli antigen (ECA) and 3 crude Schistosoma mansoni antigens.

Methodology: The schistosomal antigens used were cercarial antigen preparation (CAP), soluble worm antigen preparation (SWAP), and soluble egg antigen (SEA). Four groups each of 3 mice received 2 intraperotineal immunizations with the above-mentioned antigens at a two-week interval.