The Utility of Schistosoma bovis Adult Worm Antigen In the Diagnosis of Human Schistosomaiasis by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay

Abstract

This study was carried out in Halfa algadida town which is endemic for Schistosoma mansoni, and in Khartoum state on the bank of the White Nile in Al kalakla al Galaa, Al kalakla al Gopa, Wad Alagale and alshigylap regions where S. haematobium is prevalent The purpose of this study was to detect the utility of Schistosoma bovis adult worm antigen for diagnosis of human Schistosomiasis by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and to compare it with the conventional methods for detection of Schistosomiasis. A total number of 37 blood samples from confirmed Schistosoma mansoni patients by stool examination, and 37 blood samples from confirmed Schistosoma haematobium infected subjects by urine examination were collected. Eight volunteers were included as non-endemic negative controls. All samples were examined by ELISA technique using S.bovis antigen. The results showed that ELISA as a diagnostic method revealed 100% specificity in both forms of schistosomiasis, while the sensitivity was found to be 63% for Schistosoma haematobium and 54% for Schistosoma mansoni. In conclusion, S. bovis antigen can aid in the diagnosis of human schistosomiasis especially if the purity of the antigen is increased to enhance the sensitivity.