Comparative evaluation of 7 helminth antigens in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (E.L.I.S.A.)

112 sera from Europeans with parasitologically proven helminthiasis were tested in the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (E.L.I.S.A.) against 6 crude extracts of various helminths (2 of adult worms: Dipetalonema viteae, Fasciola hepatica; 3 of eggs: Ascaris suum, Toxocara canis, Schistosoma mansoni; and of Echinococcus granulosus scolices) and against bovine hydatid fluid. Each serum was tested simultaneously at a fixed dilution of 1:160 against all antigens. Extensive cross-reactions were observed, leading to the conclusion that non-purified helminth antigens, even in combination, are of limited value for reliable serodiagnosis in E.L.I.S.A.