Evaluation of a dot-ELISA for the serodiagnosis of human hydatid disease

ABSTRACT

A dot-ELISA utilizing antigen-B from sheep hydatid fluid, dotted onto nitrocellulose filter discs was developed for the rapid diagnosis of human hydatidosis. 1micro g of antigen per dot, serum dilution of 1800, dilution conjugate of 11000 and 45 min incubation were found optimal. Thirty four patients infected with hydatidosis, 32 cases with other parasitic diseases and 36 healthy subjects were included in the assay and were examined using dot-ELISA to detect antibody against the aforementioned parasite antigen. Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values of the assay were calculated as 97.1%, 98.5%, 97.1% and 98.5% respectively. No false positive reaction was observed when 36 sera healthy subjects were assayed. One case of cross-reactions was observed as for a serum infected with fasciolosis. It was concluded that dot-ELISA is rapid, antigen and serum conservative as well as encompasses great importance to confirm clinical diagnosis either in the laboratory or in the filed