title: Immunoblotting with human native antigen shows stage-related sensitivity in the serodiagnosis of hepatic cystic echinococcosis.
abstract: The diagnosis of hepatic cystic echinococcosis is based on ultrasonography and confirmed by serology. However, no biological marker of cyst viability is currently available implying years-long patient follow-up, which is not always feasible in endemic areas. We characterized the performance of an immunoblotting test based on human hydatid cyst fluid with particular regard to its ability to distinguish between cyst stages. Sera from patients with cysts in different stages showed distinctive band pattern recognition. Most importantly, the test discriminated in 80% of cases CE3a from CE3b transitional cysts, known to have different viability profiles. Interestingly, we observed a rapid change in band pattern recognition of sera from one patient at time points when his cyst passed from active to transitional to inactive stages. Further identification of different antigens expressed by different cyst stages will support the development of diagnostic tools that could early define cyst viability, to guide clinical decision making, and shorten patient follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Policlinico San Matteo Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Department of Veterinary Science and Public Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy; Department of Clinical Surgical Diagnostic and Paediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy; World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Clinical Management of Cystic Echinococcosis, Pavia, Italy.
authors.forename: Mara
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mariconti
authors.forename: Chiara
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bazzocchi
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tamarozzi
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Meroni
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Genco
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Maserati
authors.forename: Enrico
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Brunetti
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology*; D004444:Echinococcosis, Hepatic / Q000276:immunology*; D048209:Echinococcus granulosus / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D015151:Immunoblotting / Q000379:methods*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000947:Antigens, Helminth