Standardization and Evaluation of an Enzyme Immunoassay as a Screening Test for the Seroepidemiology of Human Hydatidosis

Abstract

The immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus is based on the detection of antibodies against arc 5 antigens by the double diffusion (DD5) or counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIE5) tests. However, neither of those tests is practical for seroepidemiological surveys in which a great number of samples have to be processed. The present study was carried out to evaluate if a solid phase enzyme immunoassay (EIA) standardized to detect total antibodies against E. granulosus cyst fluid antigens would permit the selection of sera with antibody activity against arc 5 antigens detectable by DD5. Groups of sera representing 5 possible results with DD5 were studied by the EIA proposed as a screening test. Using the EIA all the sera with antibody activity against arc 5 antigens were differentiated from all those which did not produce any precipitation band in DD5. It was also possible to differentiate those with no antibodies from all those with antibodies against 3 non-arc 5 antigens, most with antibodies against 2 non-arc 5 antigens and about a fifth with antibodies against 1 non-arc 5 antigen. It is concluded that the EIA, standardized as described, is capable of detecting with a high degree of efficiency all the sera that should be tested by DD5 and excludes most of those in which results with DD5 have no diagnostic significance.

Canadian‐Acquired Hydatid Disease: A Case Report

“…There are no definitive laboratory tests for echinococcal infection. ELISA tests for echinococcal antigen are highly specific, but may be negative in up to one-third of patients with proven infections (7). Serological tests may also be negative in infected patients with inactive cysts.…”

“…Unlike the pastoral form, rupture of sylvatic cysts has not been associated with anaphylaxis or dissemination. Complications such as biliary obstruction have not been described (1,(7)(8)(9). Most cases have been diagnosed in aboriginal communities in northern Canada, although there are a few reports of the disease in the southwestern United States (2,8,12).…”

Albendazole treatment and serological follow-up in hydatid disease of bone

“…The mean follow-up period was 4.4 years (range 3 to 5.8 years). Immunodiagnosis Anti-echinococcus antibodies were assayed in human sera using a peroxidase micro-ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) [4] and modified by us [2]. Circulating antigen (CAg) and immune complexes (CIC) were assayed in whole human sera using a capture antibody method [5].…”

Comparative evaluation of Western Blotting in hepatic and pulmonary cystic echinococcosis

“…An ELISA test was performed as described previously (Coltorti, 1986). Microtiter plates with 96-flat bottom wells were used.…”