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Background  Antigen B (EgAgB) is a major protein produced by the metacestode cyst of  Echinococcus granulosus,  the causative agent of cystic hydatid disease. This protein has been shown to play an important role in modulating host immune responses, although its precise biological function still remains unknown. It is generally accepted that  EgAgB  is comprised of a gene family of five subfamilies which are highly polymorphic, but the actual number of genes present is unknown.    Methodology/Principal Findings  Based on published sequences for the family, we designed specific primers for each subfamily and used PCR to amplify them from genomic DNA isolated from individual mature adult worms (MAW) taken from an experimentally infected dog in China and individual larval protoscoleces (PSC) excised from a single hydatid cyst taken from an Australian kangaroo. We then used real-time PCR to measure expression of each of the genes comprising the five  EgAgB  subfamilies in all life-cycle stages including the oncosphere (ONC).    Conclusions/Significance  Based on sequence alignment analysis, we found that the  EgAgB  gene family comprises at least ten unique genes. Each of the genes was identical in both larval and adult  E. granulosus  isolates collected from two geographical areas (different continents). DNA alignment comparisons with  EgAgB  sequences deposited in GenBank databases showed that each gene in the gene family is highly conserved within  E. granulosus , which contradicts previous studies claiming significant variation and polymorphism in  EgAgB . Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the genes were differentially expressed in different life-cycle stages of  E. granulosus  with  EgAgB3  expressed predominantly in all stages. These findings are fundamental for determining the expression and the biological function of antigen B.

The Echinococcus granulosus Antigen B Gene Family Comprises at Least 10 Unique Genes in Five Subclasses Which Are Differentially Expressed