Role of circulating fosciola antigens and IgG4 isotype in assessment of cure from fascioliasis

ABSTRACT

Sixty-eight individuals were included in this study; 30 of them were presented with Fasciola infection, 20 were infected with other parasites [infected control group] and 18 individuals were parasite- free [normal control group]. For all groups, stool analysis by modified formol-ether technique and Kato thick smears for egg counts and the circulating Fasciola antigens [CFAgs] and anti-Fasciola IgG4 isotype were estimated by ELISA technique. Complete blood count, liver functions tests and abdominal ultrasonography were performed for all Fasciola-infected patients. Patients with fascioliasis received a myrrh-derived drug [mirazid] in a dose of 10 mg/kg b. Wt., one hour before breakfast for six consecutive days. Re-measuring of the above parameters was performed one and three months after therapy. The detection of CFAgs was found to be a useful marker for the assessment of core. No cross-reaction was observed between Fasciola and other parasites using CFAg [100% specificity]. The level of these antigens was positively correlated with the signs of cure, parasitologically, clinically or ultrasonographically. The detection of IgG4 isotype was found to be a more sensitive and accurate immunodiagnostic tool for fascioliasis, but it was not a useful marker for the assessment of cure. Mirazid drug possesses a high therapeutic efficacy [100% cure rate] on fascioliasis without remarkable side effects