RESUMO
This study aimed to evaluate two commerically available assays for diagnosis of schistosmiasis. One is the Schistofast [ABC Diagnostics] based on antigen detection in serum by dot enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and the second Fumouze Schistos-omiasis for detecting antibodies in serum by Indirect Haemaglutination assay [IHA]. The study selected 246 clinically evaluated individuals after thorough examination of urine, stool and rectal snip samples. They were calssified as 184 patients; with primary current infection [84] patients, with late complicated disease and current infection [82], with late complicated disease without current infection [18] and 42 asymptonatic individuals with old treated infection. 20 Schistosome free children without history of contact with, contaminated water. The antibody assay showed [91.6 - 99%] sensitivity among patients with current infection compared with [90-93%] by the antigen assay. As regards patients with previous infection [22 - 85.7%] sensitivity was recorded by the antibody assay compared with [00 - 05%] by the antigen assay. Specificity of both assays were 100% among children lacking contaminated water contact. The antigen assay was easier and more rapid to use but the clarity was much better in the antibody assay. The study recommends the antigen assay for the diagnostic purposes and as a test of cure. The antibody assay is recommended for the epidemiologic purposes