Specific and sensitive diagnosis of schistosome infection: can it be done with antibodies?

A simple, cheap, sensitive and specific assay for routine diagnosis of schistosome infection is not yet available. This review considers some of the advantages and disadvantages of parasitological microscopy, circulating-antigen detection and antibody-detection methods. Immunoassays for the detection of antibodies reactive against schistosome egg antigens have the potential to be useful in both clinical and epidemiological settings.