New trends in the sero-diagnosis of schistosomiasis in Egypt

A comparison has been made of a newly modified diffusion-in-gel enzyme-linked immunosorbent technique (DIG-ELISA) and an established, standardized ELISA, using sera as well as whole blood adsorbed on filter paper discs. With known human cases of S. mansoni and/or S. haematobium, both tests showed great sensitivity in the diagnosis of schistosomiasis; 93%-95% positive for ELISA and 92%-93% positive by DIG-ELISA on using egg antigens, while 92% positive for ELISA and 91% positive by DIG-ELISA when worm antigens were used. DIG-ELISA is characterised by its technical simplicity, high sensitivity which make it an excellent screening serological technique especially in endemic areas. Moreover, the use of whole blood on filter paper discs (paper disc DIG-ELISA), rather than serum from venipuncture should add more advantages for its field application.