A rapid detection of toxocaral antibodies by dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) in dogs.

This study describes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using antigen-coated nitrocellulose (NC) paper (Dot-ELISA) for detecting antibodies against Toxocara canis infection in dogs. Some advantages could be achieved by using a Dot-ELISA; 1) antigen could be directly and immediately bound on NC paper, 2) this assay could be carried out within 1.5 h, 3) all assay steps could be performed at room temperature, 4) the well-defined blue spots formed on NC paper could be evaluated by both visual observation and densitometric reading. The Dot-ELISA reported here may prove to be useful for the diagnosis of canine toxocariasis.