Comparison of four commercially available ELISA kits for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica in Irish cattle

Abstract

BackgroundFasciola hepatica is a liver parasite of mammals and it results in poor welfare outcomes and economic losses in ruminants. While faecal egg count is the test most commonly used for diagnosis, it does not indicate presence of migrating immature stages. Serological techniques increase sensitivity at all stages of the liver fluke infection. The aim of this study was to compare four commercially available ELISA tests for the diagnosis of F. hepatica. For this purpose, we tested three sample types; (i) known F. hepatica status sera from an experimental infection for the comparison of sensitivities and specificities, (ii) sera from pre- and post-flukicide-treated (albendazole, closantel, nitroxynil and triclabendazole) beef cattle to contrast the differences of seropositivity before and after treatment, and (iii) bulk tank milk samples from dairy herds sampled during high and low F. hepatica exposure periods for assessing seasonal variations with the four tests available. Samples were tested using ELISA kits supplied by four manufacturers (Ildana Biotech, IDEXX, Svanova, and Bio-X). Samples were analysed simultaneously and in duplicate.ResultsIn the control population Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X presented 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp), Svanovir presented a Se of 59% and a Sp of 96%. In flukicide-treated beef cattle, kits highlighted decreasing antibody levels 90 days post-treatment in variable degrees. Finally, bulk milk showed a significant decrease in ELISA value between high and low fluke exposure periods with all tests studied.ConclusionsSe and Sp found in the present study, confirm that Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X are accurate for the detection of F. hepatica exposure in Irish cattle. Svanovir Se and Sp in this population, indicate that a larger study is necessary to confirm this test characteristic in Irish herds. In post-treatment use, Bio-X showed a consistent and significant decrease of ELISA value in all groups treated, denoting to be a reliable tool for assessing treatment effect at 90 days post-treatment. Finally, all tests showed to be a reliable tool for the F. hepatica monitoring of high and low exposure seasons, using bulk tank milk samples.

Epidemiology, burden and seasonal variation of fasciolosis determined through faecal examination and excretory/secretory antigens based ELISA

“…In the present study, breed of host showed insignificant association with fasciolosis; however, Anjum et al (2014) in Pakistan and Munita et al (2019) in Ireland found a significant association. Anjum et al (2014) documented a significantly higher frequency in Kajli (46.32%) breed followed in order by Lohi (37.43%), Cholistani (8.24%) and Thalli (7.90%).…”

“…Thus, most of the specialists are currently using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the immuno-detection of Fasciola sp. (Rizwan et al, 2016;Acici et al, 2017;Munita et al, 2019).The excretory/secretory antigens (ES Ag)-based ELISA is explored which not only detects infection but also gives a better picture of the infection as compared to the conventional diagnostic techniques in the preventive management strategy of the Fasciola sp. in the livestock.…”

Occurrence and Distribution of Fasciolosis in a Cohort of Ovine Livestock Restricted to a Mountain Plateau in Central Portugal

“…As herd size averages 40 animals, a total of four animals (~10% of herd size) aging 6 months and older, was randomly selected from 23 herds of Serra da Estrela sheep, located on 21 parishes of 4 municipalities of the region (Carregal do Sal, Celorico da Beira, Gouveia, and Seia). All 184 sera were screened for F. hepatica IgG antibodies, using a commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (IDEXX Fasciola hepatica antibody test kit, Hoofddorp, the Netherlands), an assay based on the coating of microwells by f2 antigen of F. hepatica that has been shown to present 100% sensitivity and specificity [ 18 ]. Procedures were performed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, with samples being tested in duplicates.…”

Fasciolosis—An Increasing Challenge in the Sheep Industry

“…The test is specific for detecting current infections, although challenging to use when the parasite burden is low. In addition, coproscopy does not detect non-reproducing immature stages and may also be unsuitable for large-scale and flock level testing [ 24 ].…”