A filtration-based rapid test using a partially purified third-stage larval antigen to detect specific antibodies for the diagnosis of gnathostomiasis. Issue 1 (16th January 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, A.; Wang, Y.; Liu, X.L.; Zhang, H.M.; Eamsobhana, P.; Yong, H.S.; Gan, X.X.
• Is Part Of: Journal of helminthology. Volume 93:Issue 1(2019)
• Page Start: 26
• Page End: 32
• Publication Date: 2019-01-16
• Subjects: Helminthology -- Periodicals; 592.3
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022149X17001080
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-149X

Abstract

Abstract: Human gnathostomiasis is an emerging food-borne parasitic disease caused by nematodes of the genus Gnathostoma . Currently, serological tests are commonly applied to support clinical diagnosis. In the present study, a simple and rapid filtration-based test, dot immune–gold filtration assay (DIGFA) was developed using a partially purified antigen of Gnathostoma third-stage larvae (L3). A total of 180 serum samples were tested to evaluate the diagnostic potential of DIGFA for gnathostomiasis. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 96.7% (29/30) and 100% (25/25), respectively. The cross-reactivity with sera from other helminthiasis patients ranged from 0 to 4%, with an average of 1.6% (2/125). DIGFA using a partially purified L3 antigen was not only simple and rapid, but also more accurate than standard assays for the diagnosis of human gnathostomiasis. DIGFA may represent a promising tool for application in laboratories or in the field, without requiring any instrumentation.