Evaluation of the adult fasciola antigens in immunodiagnosis of human fascioliasis by counter immunoelectrophoresis test

ABSTRACT

Sera of sixty infected patients with fascioliasis were obtained to evaluate the sensitivity of different antigens from adult Fasciola gigantica [crude, sonicated and purified] by using counter immunoelectrophoresis [CIEP] test for the diagnosis of the infected persons. Sera of twenty normal control persons were collected to evaluate the specificity of different antigens by using C.I.E.P. test. The sensitivity of purified Fasciola antigen was higher [100%] than sonicated [91%] or crude [80%] Fasciola antigen. Fasciola purified antigen gave 100% specificity, while sonicated and crude antigen gave 90% and 75% specificity, respectively. Eosinophilia [11-30%] was recorded in all infected cases with Fasciola. From the results, it may be concluded that purified Fasciola antigen is more sensitive and specific when used in CIEP test. It was recommended to be used where extensive cross reactions are suspected. Also, the eosinophilia may be used as a diagnostic feature of fascioliasis