Detection of antibodies against Echinococcus granulosus arc 5 antigens by double diffusion test.

This report deals with an evaluation of a double diffusion (DD5) test which employs a control antiserum against Echinococcus granulosus arc 5 antigens to recognize arc 5-positive sera by a reaction of identity. The DD5 test was more sensitive than the immuno-electrophoresis (IEP5) test based on the same positivity criterion and was equally specific for the immunodiagnosis of human hydatidosis. Its greater simplicity suggest its application as a substitute for the IEP5 test in diagnosis, particularly areas. The application of both DD5 and latex agglutination tests is recommended for hydatid immunodiagnosis on the basis of the present findings.