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A diagnostic skin test for Onchocerca volvulus infection.
Tropenmedizin Und Parasitologie
|September 1, 1981
Summary
Onchocerca supernatant (OS) skin prick tests show high reactivity in onchocerciasis patients, distinguishing them from those with loiasis or other infections. This diagnostic potential aids in identifying onchocerciasis.
Area of Science:
- Parasitology
- Immunology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Onchocerciasis diagnosis relies on identifying microfilariae, which can be challenging.
- Developing serological tests for onchocerciasis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a diagnostic tool for onchocerciasis using Onchocerca supernatant (OS).
- To assess the specificity and sensitivity of OS in differentiating onchocerciasis from other parasitic infections.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of Onchocerca supernatant (OS) from microfilariae.
- Immunodiffusion, immunoelectrophoresis, and SDS-PAGE to characterize OS proteins.
- Skin prick testing with OS in patients with onchocerciasis, loiasis, ascariasis, and healthy controls.
Main Results:
- OS contains microfilarial and human proteins, with no cross-reactivity to other helminth antigens.
- Purified OS revealed 10 protein bands ranging from 10,000 to 125,000 molecular weight.
- Skin prick tests showed 81% positive reactions in onchocerciasis cases versus low rates in other groups.
Conclusions:
- OS elicits a specific immediate hypersensitivity reaction in onchocerciasis patients.
- OS demonstrates potential as a valuable diagnostic antigen for onchocerciasis.
- The test effectively differentiates onchocerciasis from loiasis and other helminthic infections.