Evaluation of a serological test system for the diagnosis of natural Echinococcus granulosus infection in dogs using E. granulosus protoscolex and oncosphere antigens.

Abstract

Serum antibody responses in feral or domesticated dogs naturally infected with Echinococcus granulosus or/and other common helminths were examined in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using antigens prepared from E. granulosus protoscoleces or oncospheres. The ELISA using the protoscolex antigen was optimised with serums from experimental dogs monospecifically infected with E. granulosus or other helminth parasites, and helminth-free dogs. Anti-protoscolex antibody was detected in 16 of 22 (72.7%) serums from feral dogs with E. granulosus burdens ranging from 300 to 302,600 worms per dog. Seven serums from feral dogs which did not harbour E. granulosus at autopsy but which origina..