ELISA IgG as screening test for the research of true prevalence of human hydatidosis in Badajoz, Spain.

IgG antibodies against E. granulosus were investigated in order to determine the true prevalence of human echinococcosis in Badajoz, Spain. The seroepidemiological survey was carried out on 1540 subjects not suspected of suffering from hydatidosis, in order to add this morbidity rate to that already declared. Because of its high sensitivity and specificity, a standardized immunoenzymatic technique, ELISA was used, and the results subsequently compared using a classical technique for seroepidemiological surveys, namely indirect hemagglutination test (IHA). According to ELISA, 2.2% of the tested subjects were positive. This indicates a higher morbidity in our province than that declared. This test was found to be ideal for seroepidemiological surveys since it is reproducible, easily and rapidly conducted and safe. It requires economical reagents, a large number of samples can be processed simultaneously and it offers a totally objective reading.