Diagnosis of human trichinellosis: pitfalls in the use of a unique immunoserological technique

Parasite. 2001 Jun;8(2 Suppl):S144-6. doi: 10.1051/parasite/200108s2144.

Abstract

Serum samples belonging to three outbreaks in Argentina (47 patients) taken at different times post-ingestion were analysed employing IIF and ELISA simultaneously. Results show that: a) the number of patients diagnosed by a unique technique, especially by ELISA (31 patients), was lower than the one obtained by the simultaneous use of both assays (38 patients); b) four patients out of the seven diagnosed by a unique technique were negative by the other assay over the period of time evaluated. Therefore, it can be concluded that the use of a sole immunoserological technique can not only lead to the delay in the detection but also to the misdiagnosis of this parasitic infection.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Helminth / blood*
  • Argentina / epidemiology
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Serologic Tests / methods
  • Trichinella spiralis*
  • Trichinellosis / diagnosis*
  • Trichinellosis / epidemiology
  • Trichinellosis / immunology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Helminth