APPLICATION OF THE ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY (ELISA) FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF FILARIASIS AND ECHINOCOCCOSIS

Abstract

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was compared with the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), the indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) and counter immuno electrophoresis (CIE) in the serological examination for [human] filariasis and echinococcosis. The ELISA was the most sensitive but least specific method. The most striking phenomena were the cross-reactions observed when filariasis sera and Echinococcus granulosus hydatid fluid antigen were tested and vice versa, when echinococcosis sera were tested with Dipetalonema viteae antigen. Crossreacting antibodies could be absorbed with the non-corresponding antigens. ELISA proved to be the most convenient test for the screening of large numbers of sera. For a specific diagnosis, it was essential to test ELISA reactive sera with other methods.