Early Hydatid Diagnosis: A Problem to be solved

Human cystic hydatid disease (CHD) caused by the larval stage (hydatid cyst) of the dog tapeworm, E. granulosus, is a major infection with worldwide distribution and variable geographical incidence. The present study evaluates the two most popular techniques, sandwich ELISA and Latex techniques for the diagnosis of human hydatidosis by antigen detection. In the present study, crude protoscolex antigen (CPA) detection was carried out through several steps including the preparation of protoscoleces antigen, production; purification and labeling of rabbit IgG pAb. The Latex technique and ELISA tests have been found to be high sensitive and suitable for the antigen detection of cystic hydatid disease. In conclusion, antigen detection assay is superior and more sensitive than antibody detection assay, especially in diagnosing active infection where hydatid cysts are predominant. Antigen detection assay might be a useful approach for assessment of the efficacy of treatment especially after removal of the cyst. Further studies are recommended to improve the diagnostic efficacy of antigen based ELISA method. Sandwich ELISA and Latex techniques appear to be sufficiently sensitive assays for the detection of human echinococcosis.