Detection of antibodies against ovum antigens in Schistosoma mansoni bilharziasis

Fifty-five sera from bilharziasis patients from West Indies and thirty-five control sera (from normal subjects and patients with hydatidosis and fascioliasis) were examined by ELISA for antibodies reacting with S. mansoni soluble egg antigen MSA1 . MSA1 antigen was prepared according to Pelley and coupled to isothiocyanate substituted plastic discs. Sensitivity and specificity of reaction were good. Moreover, in experimental infection in mice, sera of mice cured with praziquantel became negative. The sera were also examined by a whole egg antigen in counter immunoelectrophoresis. The results of the two different techniques correspond well although ELISA using purified antigen prove to be more specific and sensitive.