title: Diagnostic value of semi-purified antigens of hydatid cyst fluid in human cystic echinococcosis.
abstract: Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) is an infection caused by the larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus. The diagnosis of this disease has been problematic. Serological tests detecting antibodies against E. granulosus are the most popular and mainly use the crude Hydatid Cyst Fluid (HCF) or its components, Ag 5 and B. However, the diagnostic value of these tests is limited by the problems of specificity and/or sensitivity. The use of purified HCF antigens could be more helpful in the serodiagnosis of CE compared to the whole HCF. In the present study, we have evaluated the diagnostic value of semi-purified antigens using ELISA tests. Our results have shown that the 53 KDa antigen gave the best specificity (97.5%) and sensitivity (80%). We have also used Western Blot technique to analyze the serological profile against HCF. The results have confirmed that the most immunogenic component of HCF is the Ag 5.
authors.forename: Wissal
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Iraqi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000909:Antibodies, Helminth / Q000097:blood*; D000947:Antigens, Helminth / Q000276:immunology* / Q000302:isolation & purification; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000737:chemistry / Q000469:parasitology*; D004443:Echinococcosis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D048209:Echinococcus granulosus / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012698:Serologic Tests / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D000909:Antibodies, Helminth; D000947:Antigens, Helminth