Evaluation of Dot-ELISA method using excretory-secretary antigens of fasciola hepatica in laboratory diagnosis of human fasciolosis

ABSTRACT

Fasciolosis diagnosis, due to low sensitivity of coprological diagnostic method has been challenging for a long period. In this study, Dot-ELISA, one of the simplest and the most sensitive tests in this regard, was evaluated using excretory-secretory antigens of Fasciola hepatica to diagnose human fasciolosis Three groups consisting of patients infected with fasciolosis [n= 95], patients with other parasitic diseases [n= 37] and healthy individuals [n= 40], were implicated in the test. All collected sera were tested by Dot-ELISA using excretory-secretory antigens. Optimal criteria were detected as 1.5 micro g of antigen per dot, serum dilution of 1320, and anti human IgG conjugate dilution of 1500. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were 96.8%, 96.1%, 96.8% and 96.1%, respectively. In conclusion, Dot-ELISA using excretory-secretory antigens could be regarded as a cheap, rapid, antigen and serum conservative diagnostic method in diagnosing fasciolosis