[ELISA in schistosomiasis. Limits. Possibility of application (author's transl)]

Sera from patients with schistosomiasis and various infections were examined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay technique (ELISA) using soluble antigens prepared from adult worms and eggs of Schistosoma mansoni. Marked false positive reactions were observed in cases of certain parasitic (hydatidosis) and non parasitic diseases (liver cirrhosis). Equivalent results with the techniques of immunofluorescence and immunoenzymology (done on adult sections) were obtained with adult worm antigen read at a higher optic-density limit. At present, this technique might be useful in seroepidemiological surveys; however, further purification of the antigen will increase its sensibility and specificity.