Immunodiagnosis of dracunculiasis by Falcon assay screening test-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (FAST-ELISA) and by enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) technique. 1990

B O Fagbemi, and G V Hillyer
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, San Juan.

The Falcon assay screening test-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (FAST-ELISA) and the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) technique were used to test human sera with Dracunculus medinensis adult worm antigen in order to assess their potential value in the immunodiagnosis of dracunculiasis. The human sera used were from patients with prepatent and patent D. medinensis infections or from patients infected with other nematodes (Onchocerca volvulus and Loa loa) or trematodes (Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium), as well as uninfected Nigerian and Puerto Rican normal controls. In the FAST-ELISA, the sera from prepatent and patent dracunculiasis patients gave the highest absorbance values relative to normal human sera. The highest cross-reactivity was observed with onchocerciasis sera; no cross-reactivity was seen with sera from individuals with loiasis or schistosomiasis mansoni or haematobia. By the EITB, sera from dracunculiasis patients specifically recognized a 16 kDa protein (Dm 16) and antibodies to Dm 16 disappeared 2 months after worm extraction. Recognition of Dm 16 occurred from the late prepatent stage. A 17 kDa protein (Dm 17) was also recognized by dracunculiasis sera, but antibodies to Dm 17 disappeared more slowly and were present 1 year after recovery. The 16 kDa and 17 kDa antigens of D. medinensis may be useful in the immunodiagnosis of dracunculiasis.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008117 Loa A genus of parasitic nematodes found throughout the rain-forest areas of the Sudan and the basin of the Congo. L. loa inhabits the subcutaneous tissues, which it traverses freely. Loa loa,Loas
D009854 Onchocerca A genus of parasitic nematodes whose organisms live and breed in skin and subcutaneous tissues. Onchocercal microfilariae may also be found in the urine, blood, or sputum. Onchocercas
D003429 Cross Reactions Serological reactions in which an antiserum against one antigen reacts with a non-identical but closely related antigen. Cross Reaction,Reaction, Cross,Reactions, Cross
D004320 Dracunculiasis Infection with nematodes of the genus Dracunculus. One or more worms may be seen at a time, with the legs and feet being the most commonly infected areas. Symptoms include pruritus, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or asthmatic attacks. Dracunculosis,Guinea Worm Infection,Guinea Worm Disease,Disease, Guinea Worm,Diseases, Guinea Worm,Dracunculiases,Dracunculoses,Guinea Worm Diseases,Infection, Guinea Worm,Worm Disease, Guinea
D004321 Dracunculus Nematode A genus of nematode parasites which inhabit the body cavity, serous membranes, and connective tissues of vertebrates. The parasitic species in humans is Dracunculus medinensis. Dracunculus medinensis,Guinea Worm,Medina Worm,Dracunculus Nematodes,Dracunculus medinenses,Guinea Worms,Medina Worms,Nematode, Dracunculus,Nematodes, Dracunculus,Worm, Guinea,Worm, Medina,Worms, Guinea,Worms, Medina,medinenses, Dracunculus
D004797 Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay An immunoassay utilizing an antibody labeled with an enzyme marker such as horseradish peroxidase. While either the enzyme or the antibody is bound to an immunosorbent substrate, they both retain their biologic activity; the change in enzyme activity as a result of the enzyme-antibody-antigen reaction is proportional to the concentration of the antigen and can be measured spectrophotometrically or with the naked eye. Many variations of the method have been developed. ELISA,Assay, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent,Assays, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent,Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay,Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays,Immunosorbent Assay, Enzyme-Linked,Immunosorbent Assays, Enzyme-Linked
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000818 Animals Unicellular or multicellular, heterotrophic organisms, that have sensation and the power of voluntary movement. Under the older five kingdom paradigm, Animalia was one of the kingdoms. Under the modern three domain model, Animalia represents one of the many groups in the domain EUKARYOTA. Animal,Metazoa,Animalia
D000909 Antibodies, Helminth Immunoglobulins produced in a response to HELMINTH ANTIGENS. Helminth Antibodies
D000947 Antigens, Helminth Any part or derivative of a helminth that elicits an immune reaction. The most commonly seen helminth antigens are those of the schistosomes. Helminth Antigens

Related Publications

B O Fagbemi, and G V Hillyer
January 2001, Clinical and diagnostic laboratory immunology,
B O Fagbemi, and G V Hillyer
March 1979, The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene,
Copied contents to your clipboard!