Abstract

Background: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is caused by the larval stage of cestode parasite Echinococcus granulosus which has a worldwide distribution with variable geographic incidence. The diagnosis of CE is still problematic since the performance of the available serological assays are not reasonably satisfactory. The present study aimed to develop a specific and simple Dot-ELISA system and compare it with currently available countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis (CCIEP) technique for the diagnosis of human CE.
Methods: Serum samples were collected from thirty five pathologically confirmed CE patients, 25 healthy controls, and 12 non-CE patients. The hydatid cyst fluid (HCF) was aseptically obtained from sheep hydatid cysts. Anti-hydatid cyst antibodies in the serum were evaluated by Dot-ELISA and CCIEP.
Results: Findings of the study demonstrated a sensitivity of 100 % and specificity of 89.1 % for the Dot-ELISA system. Antibody was detected in 80 % of patients by CCIEP while a few of non-CE patients and healthy controls had a positive reaction in this system. A sensitivity of 80 % and specificity of 62 % was calculated for this system.
Conclusions: Dot-ELISA was found to be more sensitive and specific in detecting anti-hydatid cyst antibodies in CE patient in comparison with CCIEP.

DOI: Clin. Lab. 2011;57:201-205