A seroepidemiological study of amebiasis in Surinam by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

Sera from nine populations in Surinam, South America, were screened for antibodies against Entamoeba histolytica by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique and a precipitin test (gel diffusion or counterimmunoelectrophoresis). In two small surveys in 1974 and 1978, a high rate of clinically significant ELISA titers was found in a rather isolated group of Amerindians living near the Brazilian border, predominately in the youngest age groups. Amerindians living near the coast showed a low level of seropositivity. Low levels were also found in Bush Negro villages in the interior of Surinam and in Hindustani school children from the savannah area. A high frequency of ELISA titers greater than or equal to 320, indicating a high rate of invasive amebiasis, was detected in persons in a mental institution in Paramaribo. It is concluded that the ELISA, which is much more sensitive than the precipitin tests, is a useful screening test for assessing the prevalence of invasive amebiasis on an epidemiological scale.

Applicability of different antigen preparations in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for schistosomiasis mansoni.

The applicability of seven different antigen preparations for the detection of antibodies against Schistosoma mansoni was tested in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. For this purpose, sera from children and adults from Surinam infected with S. mansoni were screened for the presence of specific antibodies against the various antigens. With all antigens, generally better results were obtained with the sera from children than with those from adults. The best results were obtained when the trichloroacetic acid-soluble fraction of adult worm antigen (containing the proteoglycan circulating anodic antigen) was used.