The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope discovers the pulsar in the young galactic supernova remnant CTA 1

Energetic young pulsars and expanding blast waves [supernova remnants (SNRs)] are the most visible remains after massive stars, ending their lives, explode in core-collapse supernovae. The Fermi Gamma-Ray Space Telescope has unveiled a radio quiet pulsar located near the center of the compact synchrotron nebula inside the supernova remnant CTA 1. The pulsar, discovered through its gamma-ray pulsations, has a period of 316.86 milliseconds and a period derivative of 3.614 x 10(-13) seconds per second. Its characteristic age of 10(4) years is comparable to that estimated for the SNR. We speculate that most unidentified Galactic gamma-ray sources associated with star-forming regions and SNRs are such young pulsars.

reGISTry: An observational registry of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) patients (pts) in the USA

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Background: The management of pts with GIST dramatically changed after the discovery of the biologic role of dysregulated KIT and PDGFR receptor tyrosine kinases. However, published data on the epidemiology and patterns of diagnosis and management of GIST are limited. To fill this gap, the reGISTry, an observational, internet-based database designed to understand evolving patterns of care for pts with GIST, overall and by pt and provider characteristics, was established. Methods: Up to 200 physicians are expected to participate; recruitment of centers is stratified by geographic area and institution size/type. The reGISTry will be active for at least 4 years with expected accrual of 1800 pts. Pts must have a diagnosis of GIST and give written informed consent. Collected data include pt demographics, clinical characteristics, clinical/economic outcomes and medical care provided to treat GIST. Data analyses are performed every 6 months. Results: The first pt was enrolled in Jan 2005. As of Nov 2005 there were 108 pts enrolled from 39 centers. Eighty five pts (79%) were from community-based practices and 23 (21%) from university/academic centers. Fifty-five pts (51%) were male. Median age was 62 years (range 37–85). At diagnosis, 84 pts (78%) had a primary tumor and 24 (22%) metastatic disease. At diagnosis, 101 pts (94%) had immunohistochemical KIT testing, 95% with positive results. Only 2% of pts had genotyping performed. Surgery was the most common first-line treatment (85 pts, 79%). Eighty-nine percent of those with primary disease and 42% of those with metastatic disease underwent surgical resection as their initial therapy. Fifty percent of pts with metastatic disease and 7% of pts with primary disease underwent systemic therapy as their initial treatment. Forty-seven pts (44%) had imatinib mesylate therapy with 400 mg daily the most commonly prescribed dose. Therapeutic efficacy was more commonly assessed by CT size with radiodensity (55.6%) than positron-emission tomography (0%). Conclusions: The reGISTry is a useful tool for determining evolving practice patterns in the management of GIST. Iterative data analyses over the next 4 years will allow for comparison of management patterns as advances in the understanding of GIST evolve.

[Table: see text]

Characterization of the caprine model for ruminant brucellosis

The relationship between man, the goat, and brucellosis is historical. Today Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus pose a serious economic and public health threat in many countries throughout the world. Infection of pregnant goats and sheep with B. melitensis results in abortion during the third trimester of pregnancy. Although nearly eradicated in the US, bovine brucellosis is still a problem in many countries and the potential for re-infection of domestic stock from wildlife reservoirs in this country is a regulatory nightmare. Humans infected with this pathogen develop undulant fever, which is characterized by pyrexia, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and spondylitis. Although available for both organisms, currently available vaccines have problems ranging from false positive serological reactions to limited efficacy in different animal species. With the continued need for new and better vaccines, we have further developed a goat model system to test new genetically derived strains of B. melitensis and B. abortus for virulence as measured by colonization of maternal and fetal tissues, vaccine safety, and vaccine efficacy.

Brucella vaccines in wildlife

Brucellosis has been known to exist in populations of wildlife since the early part of the 20th century. At the beginning of this century in the US, Brucella abortus is a problem in elk and bison in the Greater Yellowstone Area, B. suis is prevalent in millions of feral swine in most of the southern states, and caribou/reindeer in Alaska are infected with B. suis biovar 4. Brucellosis has been virtually eliminated in domestic livestock in the US after decades of expensive governmental disease prevention, control and eradication programs. Now the most likely source of transmission of brucellosis to humans, and the risk of reintroduction of brucellosis into livestock is from infected populations of free-ranging wildlife. Brucellosis was eradicated from livestock through a combination of testing, vaccination, and removal of infected animals. The use of vaccines to control brucellosis in populations of wildlife and therefore reducing the risk of transmission to humans and livestock has been proposed in several instances. This manuscript reviews research on the use of Brucella vaccines in species of wildlife with emphasis on safety and efficacy.

[Immunoelectron study of RNA polymerase II distribution in human oocyte nuclei]

The intranuclear distribution of two (unphosphorylated and hyperphosphorylated) forms of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) was studied in human oocytes from antral follicles using immunogold labeling/electron microscopy. The distribution of Pol II was as well as to the distribution of two splicing factors (snRNPs and SC-35) in the intranuclear entities, namely, interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs), nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs), and perichromatin fibrils (PFs). The results have shown that 1) antibodies directed against two forms of Pol II have a similar pattern of intranuclear distribution 2) both Pol II and splicing factors progressively accumulate in IGCs with a decrease in the transcriptional activity of the oocyte nucleus, 3) both Pol II and splicing factors are located on PFs, and 4) Pol II is present in the NLBs at all transcriptional states of the oocyte nucleus. The accumulation of Pol II and splicing factors in IGCs, concomitant with a decrease in the transcriptional activity, suggests a coordinated mechanism for the movement of both Pol II and splicing factors from the sites of action to the sites of storage.

Is life of infinite value?

It is possible and necessary to compare stretches of human life with other goods, such as the good of conserving resources for others. A minute of human life is not of infinite value; all else being equal, a minute of life is less valuable than 10 years of the same life. Nevertheless, this ability to evaluate human life does not necessarily lead to total commodification of human life.

Fusobacteriosis in captive wild-caught pronghorns (Antilocapra americana)

An outbreak of Fusobacterium necrophorum-induced septicemia occurred in a group of 40 captive wild-caught pronghorns (Antilocapra americana). Primary pododermatitis or necrotic stomatitis progressed to produce fatal septicemia with metastatic lesions in the forestomachs, lung, liver, and cecum in 38 of the animals. Two remaining animals were euthanatized because of chronic pododermatitis. Housing the animals in a pasture previously used by bovids and heavy rains with persistence of ground water pools in the pasture were contributing factors in the pathogenesis of this outbreak.

Epidemiology and diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in captive Asian elephants (Elephas maximus)

The deaths of two Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) in August 1996 led the United States Department of Agriculture to require the testing and treatment of elephants for tuberculosis. From August 1996 to September 1999. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection was confirmed by culture in 12 of 118 elephants in six herds. Eight diagnoses were made antemortem on the basis of isolation of M. tuberculosis by culture of trunk wash samples; the remainder (including the initial two) were diagnosed postmortem. We present the case histories, epidemiologic characteristics, diagnostic test results, and therapeutic plans from these six herds. The intradermal tuberculin test, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay serology, the blood tuberculosis test, and nucleic acid amplification and culture are compared as methods to diagnose M. tuberculosis infection in elephants.

The variability of practice hypothesis in motor learning: does it apply to Alzheimer's disease?

Based on Schmidt's (1975) variability of practice hypothesis, this study examined acquisition and transfer of a gross motor skill, namely tossing, in 58 patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and 58 healthy older adults under constant, blocked, and random practice conditions. While healthy older adults were able to learn the tossing task equally well under the three practice conditions, only AD patients receiving constant practice showed significant improvements. Tests of intermediate transfer yielded the expected random practice advantage in healthy controls but not AD patients. None of the practice conditions facilitated intermediate transfer in AD patients; however, constant practice did benefit these impaired individuals on tests of near transfer. These results indicate that the variability of practice hypothesis does not extend to AD patients. As motor learning and transfer were clearly a function of constant practice, future attempts to retrain basic activities of daily living in AD patients should emphasize consistency in training.

Nuclear distribution of RNA polymerase II in human oocytes from antral follicles: dynamics relative to the transcriptional state and association with splicing factors

The intranuclear distribution of two (unphosphorylated and hyperphosphorylated) forms of RNA polymerase II (Pol II) was studied in human oocytes from antral follicles using immunogold labeling/electron microscopy. The distribution of Pol II was analyzed relative to the transcriptional state of the oocyte as well as to the distribution of two splicing factors (snRNPs and SC-35) in the intranuclear entities, namely, interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs), nucleolus-like bodies (NLBs), and perichromatin fibrils (PFs). The results showed that (1) antibodies directed against two forms of Pol II have similar pattern of intranuclear distribution, (2) both Pol II and splicing factors progressively accumulate in IGCs with decrease in the transcriptional activity of the oocyte nucleus, (3) both Pol II and splicing factors localize to PFs, and (4) Pol II is present in the NLBs at all transcriptional states of the oocyte nucleus. These studies confirm earlier proposals that PFs represent a nuclear domain in which RNA transcription/processing are spatially coupled. The accumulation of Pol II and splicing factors in IGCs concomitant with a decrease in the transcriptional activity suggests a coordinated mechanism for the movement of both Pol II and splicing factors from the sites of action to the sites of storage.

Failure to identify non-bovine reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis in a region with a history of infected dairy-cattle herds

The State of Texas had the most (cumulative) tuberculous cattle herds of any state in the United States during the decade ending in 1997. Of the cumulative 18 infected herds in Texas, 12 herds were concentrated in El Paso County (designated the 'El Paso milkshed'). To identify whether non-bovine reservoirs were a source of Mycobacterium bovis infection of cattle in this region, an investigation was conducted on the premises of 14 dairy herds (12 tuberculous and 2 non-affected herds) between May 1995 and June 1997. None of the 670 mammalian, avian and environmental (soil, water and air) samples collected and cultured from the premises of these herds was positive for the presence of M. bovis. None of the 119 human urine samples obtained from employees of these dairies was culture positive for M. bovis. Of 124 dairy-farm workers with tuberculin skin-test results, 48 showed positive test results. There was, however, no difference in percentages of positive skin-test results between farms without, and farms having, bovine tuberculosis within the last two years or longer. The percentage of positive reactions did not increase with length of time employed at a dairy with a history of confirmed tuberculosis. These findings suggest that non-bovine reservoirs appear not to be a factor responsible for tuberculosis of cattle in the El Paso milkshed.

Informed consent for stem cell research in the public sector

Asking progenitors of spare embryos to donate them for use in stem cell research presents a number of complex issues, especially given the general lack of regulation of fertility medicine and the lack of public consensus on the moral status of the embryo. Particular issues include the timing of the request for donation and whether both men and women must always give consent for the use of their embryos for research. If thoughtful attention is given to these matters, there need be no ethical impediment to requesting the use of spare embryos for stem cell research.

Discovery of children's carrier status for recessive genetic disease: some ethical issues

Knowledge of one's carrier status for recessive genetic diseases is useful primarily in making marital and reproductive decisions. These decisions are peculiarly the private domain of the young adults who are dating, mating, and forming new families. The privacy of these decisions may be compromised when parents know the carrier status of their children. Thus, the practice of sharing that information with the parents of fetuses, babies, and minor children ought to be discouraged, out of respect for the autonomy and privacy of these children when they become adults.

Experimental infection of white-tailed deer with rangiferine brucellosis

Experimental infections of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) with Brucella suis biovar 4 were evaluated over a period of 6 wk. Five adult male hand-raised white-tailed deer were inoculated with 1 x 10(7) colony forming units of B. suis biovar 4 in the conjunctiva and serologically evaluated over 6 wk by the card test (CARD), rivanol test (RIV), serum agglutination test (SAT), complement fixation test (CFT), particle concentration fluorescence immunoassay (PCFIA), and competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA), as routinely used for bovine samples. Six weeks postinoculation the animals were euthanized and cultured for B. suis biovar 4. One deer became serologically positive 4 wk postinoculation on CFT, CARD, PCFIA, and cELISA. At 6 wk postinoculation, CFT was positive in four infected deer, CARD was positive in three deer; RIV, SAT, and PCFIA was positive in two deer; and cELISA was positive in one deer. Only the CFT was 100% sensitive. At necropsy B. suis biovar 4 was isolated from four of five deer, and representative colonies were biologically similar to the challenge organism.

Genetic evidence of Dobrava virus in Apodemus agrarius in Hungary

Using nested polymerase chain reaction, we sequenced Dobrava virus (DOB) from the rodent Apodemus agrarius in Hungary. The samples we isolated group with DOB samples previously isolated from A. flavicollis. This grouping may indicate host switching.

The effects of age, education, and ethnicity on verbal fluency

A group of 317 healthy participants between 54 and 99 years of age performed a verbal fluency task. The participants included Chinese, Hispanic, and Vietnamese immigrants, as well as White and African American English speakers. They were given 1 min to name as many animals as possible in their native language. The results showed that more animal names were produced by younger people and those with more education. Language background was also an important factor: The Vietnamese produced the most animal names and the Spanish speakers produced the fewest. The exaggerated difference between these two groups is attributed to the fact that Vietnamese animal names are short (predominantly 1 syllable) while the Spanish animal names are longer than any other language in this study (2 and 3 syllables per word). Finally, although the ethnic groups named different animals, and appeared to vary in the variety of animal names they used, these factors did not affect overall verbal fluency performance.

Safety of Brucella abortus strain RB51 in Bison

To determine the safety of Brucella abortus strain RB51 (SRB51) vaccine in American bison (Bison bison), 31 animals from a herd with brucellosis were used. In October 1996, 10 adult bison males and seven calves were vaccinated with the standard calfhood cattle dose of 1.8 x 10(10) colony forming units (CFU) of SRB51 subcutaneously while the adult females received the standard adult cattle dose of 1 x 10(9) CFU. Western immunoblot indicated the presence of SRB51 antibodies following vaccination. To evaluate prolonged bacterial colonization of tissues, the adult males, calves, and three adult females were divided into two groups which were slaughtered at either 13 or 16 wk post-vaccination. At necropsy, tissue samples were obtained for B. abortus culture from the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, and reproductive tract of each animal. While B. abortus field strain was cultured from one adult bull, no SRB51 was isolated from any of the animals. Seven pregnant females were monitored until parturition for signs of abortions and fetal lesions. Six cows delivered healthy calves and one delivered a dead full-term calf that was brucellae negative. Based on these results, administration of SRB51 to bison did not cause prolonged bacterial colonization of tissues in calves, adult males, or adult females. Furthermore, SRB51 did not induce abortions following vaccination in the second month of gestation.

Conservation of germ plasm from bison infected with Brucella abortus

Reproductive procedures for cattle were adapted to American bison (Bison bison) to evaluate the potential preservation of germ plasm from bison infected with Brucella abortus without transmission of the pathogen to the recipient or offspring. Two of four experimentally inoculated bison bulls excreted B. abortus in the semen. Four healthy calves were produced from non-infected, un-vaccinated bison cows by natural breeding with a bison bull excreting B. abortus in the semen. There was no seroconversion of the cows or their calves. Two culture negative bison calves were produced by superovulation of infected bison donor cows followed by artificial insemination and embryo transfer without transmitting B. abortus to recipient cows or calves. These limited data indicate that embryo manipulatory procedures and natural breeding in bison may facilitate preservation of valuable germ plasm from infected bison while reducing the risk of transmission of B. abortus to recipients and progeny.

[Splicing factors in oocyte nuclei from human antral follicles]

Three groups of oocytes in the human antral follicules were previously distinguished on the basis of nuclear structures arrangement and 3H-uridine incorporation in the oocyte nuclei revealed by ultrastructural and autoradiographic research (Parfenov et al., 1984, 1989). These groups can be regarded as consecutive states of oocyte development, i. e. active, intermediate and inactive ones. The latter is characterized by compactization of nuclear structures arranged within a limited nuclear volume. The present study concerns the distribution of splicing factors (snRNP and SC35) and p80 coilin in the nuclei of oocytes being at either of the three states. Along with transcription decreasing in oocyte nuclei, reduction of snRNP and SC35 amounts in the karyoplasm was detected. Simultaneously, accumulation of these splicing factors occurred in clusters of interchromatin granules (CIG). snRNP and SC35 are spatially segregated in CIG. snRNP are located within the fibrillar zones of CIG, while SC35 corresponds to the granular component of CIG. CIG are the only structures containing splicing factors in the nuclei of oocytes from the human antral follicules. These nuclei lack typical coiled bodies (CB). Considerable amounts of the marker protein of CB--p80 coilin are revealed in the nucleolus-like bodies (NLB) of human oocyte nuclei. Contrary to the data obtained on the oocytes from the antral follicules of other mammals (Kopecny et al., 1996a, 1996b) NLB in human oocytes do not contain snRNPs and SC35. The present study allows to make the following conclusions: a) splicing factors recruted to the sites of transcription in karyoplasm of oocytes are assembled in CIG when inactivation of transcription takes place; b) CIG in preovulated human oocytes play substantial role in the storage and preservation of splicing factors.

Dynamics of distribution of splicing components relative to the transcriptional state of human oocytes from antral follicles

The distribution of two splicing components (snRNP and SC-35) and coilin were studied by immunogold/electron microscopy in human oocytes from antral follicles at different levels of transcriptional activity (i.e., active, intermediate, and inactive). The results showed a decrease of snRNPs and SC-35 in the karyoplasm as the oocytes progress from a transcriptionally active to the inactive state. The main areas of accumulation of both these splicing components in all stages of oocytes appeared to be the interchromatin granule clusters (IGCs). Within the IGCs, the two splicing components seemed to be spatially segregated, with the snRNPs predominantly bound to the fibrillar region, whereas the SC-35 factors are being enriched in the granular zone. The p80 coilin was found only in the nucleolus-like body (NLB), which is present in all three stages of oocytes; no coiled bodies were evident. These data are consistent with the notion that splicing occurs in the karyoplasm and that the splicing components are mobilized from a storage site (IGCs) to the site of action.

TG-21 versus TG-25: a comparison for electrons

Since 1984, the Radiological Physics Center (RPC) has used the American Association of Physicists in Medicine Task Group 21 (TG-21) protocol (absorbed dose determination) as the basis of its On-site Dosimetry Review visits to institutions participating in the National Cancer Institute's cooperative clinical trials. Subsequent to the TG-21 protocol, the Task Group 25 (TG-25) report on electron-beam dosimetry was published. The TG-25 report was not intended to supercede the TG-21 protocol, but to supplement it for depths other than dmax. However, both reports included measurement techniques and data regarding the calibration of electron beams. TG-25 was not intended for absolute calibrations made clear by the fact that it does not present all of the data required for plastic phantom calibrations, i.e., unrestricted stopping power ratios. As a result, some confusion has arisen at various institutions as to which protocol should be used for machine calibration. In this study, possible discrepancies that arise when using TG-21, a version of TG-21 modified by the RPC, and TG-25 are compared. The differences in the results are calculated as a function of energy (6 and 20 MeV), chamber type (cylindrical or parallel plate), and the type of phantom material (water, polystyrene, or acrylic). The largest discrepancies noted were between TG-25 and the two TG-21 methods for low-energy electrons in either water or polystyrene. The mean difference for all conditions was 0.8% with a maximum value of 3.3% in polystyrene. The definition of the effective point of measurement; determination of the mean nominal incident energy (E0), mean energy at depth (EZ) and most probable energy at the surface (Ep,0) for each protocol, and subsequent stopping power ratio, chamber replacement factor, and electron fluence correction factor are the major contributors to the calculated differences.

Genetic dilemmas and the child's right to an open future

Although deeply committed to the model of nondirective counseling, most genetic counselors enter the profession with certain assumptions about health and disability-for example, that it is preferable to be a hearing person than a deaf person. Thus, most genetic counselors are deeply troubled when parents with certain disabilities ask for assistance in having a child who shares their disability. This ethical challenge benefits little from viewing it as a conflict between beneficence and autonomy. The challenge is better recast as a conflict between parental autonomy and the child's future autonomy.

Segond fracture: lateral capsular ligament avulsion

Recently, there has been an emphasis placed on incorporating fundamental radiology in graduate level physical therapy curricula; however, the majority of practicing physical therapists never received formal radiology instruction. As health care changes, so must the role of the physical therapist. In a managed care environment, it is essential that physical therapists recognize basic radiographic findings and understand their clinical ramifications. The purpose of this article is to review the literature and provide commentary on avulsion fractures of the lateral tibial condyle, known as Segond fractures. Segond fractures typically occur by forced internal tibial rotation with the knee flexed. This mechanism placed tremendous force on the middle portion of the lateral capsule and associated meniscotibial ligament and results in a small bony avulsion. The Segond fracture is an important radiographic sign that is critical to recognize because it is generally associated with anterior cruciate ligament disruption.

Nuclear bodies of stage 6 oocytes of Rana temporaria contain nucleolar and coiled body proteins

The genetically inactive stage 6 oocyte nuclei of Rana temporaria contain certain nuclear bodies that label with nucleolus-specific and coiled body (CB)-specific antibodies. We designate them multicomponent bodies (MCBs) to reflect their mixed composition. Morphologically, each MCB contains five distinct zones: zone I composed of electron-dense fibrils similar to the dense fibrillar component (DFC) of the typical eukaryotic nucleoli; zone II resembled the fibrillar material of the inactive agranular nucleoli of stage 6 oocytes; zone III consisted of fine filamentous material corresponding to the fibrillar center (FC) of lower electron density seen in the typical nucleoli; and zones IV and V contained packed coiled threads typical of CBs. Of these, zone IV was seen in the interior of MCBs and contained tightly packed coiled threads (20 nm thick), while zone V occurred at the periphery and consisted of similar threads but loosely packed and electron dense. The material of both zones IV and V resembled that of CBs. To determine the composition of these zones, we extracted oocytes with a buffer that removes chromatin and most of the soluble proteins and processed them for immunogold labeling with a variety of antibodies. Anti-p80 coilin antibody predominantly labeled zone IV and, to a lesser extent, zone V. Anti-snRNP antibody also showed a similar labeling pattern. Anti-fibrillarin antibody predominantly labeled zone I and to a lesser extent zones IV and V. Anti-B23 antibody labeled all zones. These observations suggest that MCBs contain both nucleolar and CB material. We postulate that MCBs represent storage structures which provide material needed for the early stage of embryogenesis. The demonstration of MCBs further supports the close interrelationship between nucleoli and CBs.

The pathogenicity of Brucella suis biovar 4 for bison

The pathogenicity of Brucella suis biovar 4 for bison (Bison bison) was evaluated by inoculation of 2.1 x 10(7) colony forming units (CFU) in 0.1 ml saline into the conjunctival sac of six pregnant cows. Six pregnant bison were inoculated with 1.27 x 10(7) CFU of Brucella abortus strain 2308 as a positive control. Bison were inoculated on 23 January 1992, and observed until calving or abortion after which they were euthanized, and necropsied. Bacteriological and histological examinations were conducted on lymph nodes, reproductive tract, mammary gland, and internal organs. Terminal serum samples from calves and cows were evaluated by card, rivanol precipitation, standard tube agglutination, cold complement fixation tube, indirect bison conjugated enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), competitive ELISA, and particle-concentration fluorescence immunoassay. No clinical signs of brucellosis were seen in bison inoculated with B. suis biovar 4, and infection was found only in lymph nodes of two animals. There was no evidence of metastasis of this organism to the mammary gland or the reproductive tract. There were no detectable levels of antibodies to Brucella spp. in terminal blood samples taken from B. suis biovar 4-challenged bison. Brucella abortus was isolated from several tissues in all control bison. All B. abortus-challenged animals developed uterine infection and five developed mammary gland infection. Reproductive disease resulted in abortions in five B. abortus-challenged bison and neonatal death in the remaining calf. Brucella suis biovar 4 does not appear to be pathogenic for bison.

Enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot analysis of excretory-secretory proteins of Fascioloides magna and Fasciola hepatica

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite of cattle (Bos taurus), but not of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), while Fascioloides magna is a parasite of white-tailed deer which also infects cattle as dead-end host. Adult parasites were collected from naturally infected white-tailed deer or cattle. Excretory-secretory proteins (ESP) were obtained from each parasite. Protein banding patterns were analysed on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and probed using sera from experimentally infected deer of cattle using enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB, also known as Western blot) analysis. Protein banding patterns of the two species were different. EITB analysis of Fascioloides magna ESP using sera from Fascioloides magna infected deer or cattle identified three bands of approximately 17, 22 and 27 kDa of which the 27 kDa antigen cross-reacted with sera from Fasciola hepatica infected cattle. EITB analysis of Fasciola hepatica ESP probed with sera from Fasciola hepatica infected cattle identified three bands of approximately 15, 26 and 46 kDa. The 46 and 26 kDa ESP cross-reacted with sera from Fascioloides magna infected cattle, but not with sera from Fascioloides magna infected deer. The band at 15 kDa which reacted specifically for Fasciola hepatica infected cattle sera consisted of two protein bands close to each other as seen on the SDS-PAGE gel. The EITB reaction at approximately 17 kDa and 22 kDa of Fascioloides magna ESP, and at approximately 15 kDa of Fasciola hepatica ESP can be used for species specific diagnosis.