Evaluation of Dot-ELISA and enzyme-linked immuno-electrotransfer blot assays for detection of a urinary hydatid antigen in the diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis.

BACKGROUND

Several serological assays are used for detection of a hydatid antigen in serum for diagnosis of cystic echinococcosis (CE). However, it requires technical expertise and is associated with the risk of acquiring blood-borne infections. Of late, interests have been shifted to other body fluids like urine, saliva, tear drops as alternate specimens in the diagnosis of CE.

AIM

The aim of the study was to evaluate the dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot-ELISA) and electro-immunotransfer blot (EITB) for detection of a hydatid antigen in the urine for diagnosis of CE.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

100 ml of urine samples were collected from the patients with confirmed CE (n=30), patients with suspected CE (n=30), patients with other diseases (n=30) and healthy controls (n=30). A hydatid antigen in urine was detected by Dot-ELISA and EITB using only polyclonal antibodies raised against a complete homogenate hydatid (CHH) antigen in rabbits.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

The Dot-ELISA using polyclonal antibodies showed a sensitivity of 53.33% and specificity of 96.66%, whereas EITB showed a sensitivity of 46.66%. The Dot-ELISA and EITB employing polyclonal antibodies showed no significant difference in sensitivity (P=0.426). Hence, the Dot-ELISA being a simple procedure can be used for detection of a hydatid antigen in urine for diagnosis of CE.