Evaluation of specific fasciola antigen in the immunodiagnosis of human fascioliasis in Egypt

ABSTRACT

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot technique [EITB] were employed for the detection of circulating Fasciola antibodies in infected human sera using a specific Fasciola antigen, prepared by immunoaffinity purification of homogenates of Fasciola hepatica adult worms. Ninety- two individuals diagnosed clinically and parasitologically were classified into Fascioliasis group [21 patients], schistosomiasis group [21 patients] and subjects harboring other parasitic infections [50 patients]. Eighteen healthy individuals served as normal controls. ELISA was 100% sensitive and 93% specific with 96.5% diagnostic efficacy, whereas EITB was 100% sensitive and specific with 100% diagnostic efficacy. The data revealed that ELISA can be used as a good screening test, while EITB can serve as a confirmatory test for immunodiagnosis of fascioliasis