Evaluation of Immunochromatographic Test for the Detection of Antibodies against Echinococcosis granulosus

BACKGROUND Echinococcosis in humans is a disease caused by the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus) and Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis). Serological tests are valuable, especially in the clarification of unexplained clinical findings and imaging methods. For this reason, indirect hemagglutination (IHA), latex agglutination, immunoelectrophoresis, immunoblotting, immuno-enzymatic tests, indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are used. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of an immunochromatographic test (ICT) specific for E. granulosus antibodies in the diagnosis of echinococcosis. MATERIAL/METHODS ICT evaluated 102 cases of cystic echinococcosis, 38 cases of other parasitic diseases, and 50 healthy individuals. ELISA (DRG, Germany) that detects IgG antibodies specific for E. granulosus was used as the reference method. RESULTS The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of ICT were 96.8%, 87.5%, 98.9%, and 70%, respectively. Diagnostic value was 96.1%. No significant differences and high degrees of agreement were found between ELISA and immunochromatographic test for cystic echinococcosis. Serum samples included 4 taeniasis, 2 leishmaniasis, and 2 healthy individuals were diagnosed to be positive with immunochromatographic test. CONCLUSIONS The ability of test to give fast results without need for equipment, devices, and specific storage conditions is an advantage. This test may be used due to its advantages in endemic regions for screening and diagnostic purposes.