Comparison of three DOT-ELISA techniques in diagnosing Schistosoma haematobium infection.

The DOT-STRIP-ELISA was evaluated in the laboratory as a serodiagnostic tool for Schistosoma haematobium infection in order to assess the potential of introducing the technique under field conditions in the developing world. Out of 100 individuals with parasitologically confirmed Schistosoma haematobium, 87 reacted positively (sensitivity 87%), whereas 45 out of 50 sera from individuals from a non-endemic area reacted negatively (specificity 90%). Results were reproducible. Cross-reactions were observed with sera from individuals infected with Schistosoma mansoni, Echinococcus, Leishmania and Wuchereria. The DOT-STRIP-ELISA offers more advantages with regard to practicability and test-time when compared with the DOT-DISC-ELISA and DOT-MILLIPORE-ELISA.