Fasciola hepatica - IgG ELISA

Fasciolosis is one of the most frequently encountered autochthonous helminthic infections in Central Europe. The immunodiagnosis of Fasciola hepatica infections is challenged by high serological cross-reacitivity with other (hepatic) parasitological infections encountered in Central Europe, such as alveolar echinococcosis, toxocarosis and ascariosis, but also other parasitic infections acquired during overseas travel. The SAP-2 recombinant antigen shows a high specificity, especially with patients with other parasitic infections. It is a suitable serological test for routine diagnosis of human fasciolosis, particularly if the results are supported by clinical history.

The kit provides all the material needed to perform 96 enzyme-linked immunosorbant assays (ELISA) on breakable microtitration wells sensitized with Fasciola hepatica recombinant antigen. Specific antibodies in the sample will bind to the antigen and washing will remove unspecific antibodies. The presence of parasite specific antibodies is detected with a Protein A – alkaline phosphatase conjugate. A second washing step will remove unbound conjugate. Revealing bound antibodies is made by the addition of pNPP substrate which turns yellow in the presence of alkaline phosphatase. Color intensity is proportional to the amount of Fasciola hepatica specific antibodies in the sample. Potassium phosphate is added to stop the reaction. Absorbance at 405 nm is read using an ELISA microplate reader.The test can be performed with automatic systems, but this must be validated by the user.