A comparative study of different immunoassays to detect specific antibodies to Echinococcus spp. in human sera

Abstract

SummaryHuman echinococcosis, one of the most serious of parasitic zoonoses, is caused by the larval stages of taeniid cestodes of the genus Echinococcus. The study aimed to assess the reliability of the detection of specific antibodies to E. multilocularis and E. granulosus s.l. in human sera and to compare their diagnostic potential for their utilization in the practice. In the study, the somatic antigen of E. multilocularis (AgEm), antigen B (AgB), and the hydatid fluid antigen of E. granulosus and two commercial ELISA kits – Echinococcus granulosus (Bordier Affinity Products, Crissier, Switzerland) and NovaLisaTMEchinococcus IgG (NovaTec Immunodiagnostica, Germany) – were compared. Sera of patients with alveolar and cystic echinococcosis, and with different parasitic/other infections were used to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity and cross-reactivity of in-house and commercial ELISA methods. AgEm presented the highest values regarding the diagnostic indicators, showing 100 % specificity and 90.0 % sensitivity. The tests for serological diagnostics of cystic echinococcosis were less sensitive and specific. The Echinococcus granulosus kit had 83.8 % specificity and 88.2 % sensitivity, while AgB and AgHF showed 85.0 % and 86.3 % specificity, and 76.5 % and 100 % sensitivity, respectively. NovaLisaTMEchinococcus IgG proved to have 95.7 % specificity and 77.8 % sensitivity. The results point out that the combination of different serological tests and approaches in accordance with clinical and imaging findings is still essential to prove the correct diagnosis in suspected patients.

Alveolar echinococcosis of the liver with a rare infiltration of the adrenal gland

“…Serological ELISA examination is a method of choice to confirm the presence of specific antibodies to Echinococcus spp., often followed by more specific Western blot. However, due to cross reactivity between E. multilocularis and E. granulosus and some other parasitic species and occasionally the absence of specific antibodies production in approximately 5 % of patients ( Eckert & Deplazes, 2004 ; Fecková et al ., 2020 ) the results of serology may be contradictory. Therefore, to confirm the diagnosis, a histopathological examination or detection of parasite-specific DNA should be also performed ( Kern, 2010 ).…”

“…Nevertheless, the results of imaging techniques and histopathology often depend on the experience of medical staff and can be associated with some degree to subjective error. Moreover, antigen B used for detection of antibodies to E. granulosus shows cross reactivity with E. multilocularis ( Eckert & Deplazes, 2004 ; Fecková et al ., 2020 ). Therefore, based also on previous experience of medical personnel and the current epidemiological situation in Slovakia, the molecular analysis of biopsy material was recommended.…”

Parasitic and Vector-Borne Infections in HIV-Positive Patients in Slovakia—Evidence of an Unexpectedly High Occurrence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum

“…Antibodies to a somatic antigen of E. multilocularis and antigen B of E. granulosus s.l. were detected according to the ELISA described by Fecková et al [47].…”

Surgical Management of Cystic Pelvic Hydatid Bone Disease Using Additively Manufactured Customized Implants for Salvage Reconstruction: A Report of Two Cases

“…WB confirmatory tests should be used when ELISA test results are negative. Viability tests for protoscoleces and PCR genotyping can be added to surgical samples [ 7 ]. Diagnosing and treating pelvic hydatidosis present a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons, who must collaborate within a multidisciplinary team that includes parasitologists, radiologists, and pathologists.…”