Sensitized chick cells in the indirect haemagglutination test for echinococcosis.

An indirect haemagglutination (IHA) test was performed with chick red blood cells (RBC) on sera from 26 confirmed cases of echinococcosis and 45 control sera. The results were compared with those obtained in an IHA test with sheep RBC on the same batches of sera; both tests were equally sensitive. The chick cells settled quickly and the results could be determined within 30-45 min. Heterophilic antigen was not a problem. This study also showed that chick cells stabilised by the double-aldehyde method, could be sensitised with the antigen and then stored at 4 degrees C for up to 31 days before use in the IHA test without loss of sensitivity. The use of sensitised double-aldehyde stabilised (DAS) chick cells in IHA tests provides a rapid diagnostic test in echinococcosis.