Application of a modified human enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit for diagnosis of hydatidosis in sheep

Abstract

Cystic hydatid disease (hydatidosis) is one of the most important zoonosis that is caused by the larval <br><br>stage of Echinococcus granulosus. As its diagnosis by clinical symptoms alone is difficult and confusing, <br><br>serologic diagnostic techniques are used to confirm the disease. These techniques can also be used for <br><br>epidemiologic studies. The present study was performed with a commercial human enzyme-linked <br><br>immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for the diagnosis of hydatidosis in sera collected from sheep with <br><br>hydatidosis. Sera were collected from 68 cases of hydatidosis proven by inspection of hydatid-infested livers <br><br>and lungs of the sheep slaughtered in Mashhad abattoir and also from 11 healthy cases. Sera samples were <br><br>examined by ELISA kit. The results showed that out of 68 cases of hydatidosis in sheep, 67 samples had <br><br>positive absorbance. Also from 11 healthy samples, 9 had negative absorbance value. The sensitivity and <br><br>specificity of the test were 99 and 82%, respectively. Therefore, it can be concluded that it is possible to use <br><br>human ELISA kit for the diagnosis of hydatidosis in sheep.