The use of serology in patients with suspected hydatid disease

Screening tests (IHA, LA and ELISA) and confirmatory tests (CF, CCEP and IEOP) on blood samples from 443 patients referred to the Scottish Hydatid Reference Laboratory are reviewed. The ELISA test was the most sensitive. All of 9 confirmed cases of hydatid disease were positive by ELISA. Positive ELISA results were obtained in 10/158 (6.3%) of patients with a suspected cyst(s) and 12/149 (8.1%) patients with a clinical illness suggestive of Hydatid disease. This compared with 6/136 (4.4%) asymptomatic individuals residing in an endemic area, and 1/138 (0.7%) residing in a non-endemic area. The significance of cross-reactions in patients with malignancies or liver disease and the difficulties of serological diagnosis in suspected Hydatid disease are discussed.