A new faecal antigen detection system for Strongyloides venezuelensis diagnosis in immunosuppressed rats

This study was performed with the objective of developing innovative procedures for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to detect coproantigen in the faecal samples of normal and of immunosuppressed rats using an anti-L3 polyclonal antibody produced in rabbits. Analysis revealed the kinetics of egg shedding in the non-immunosuppressed and immunosuppressed rats infected with S. venezuelensis. Further analysis verified the ability of the immune serum to detect U antigens in faecal samples from infected animals. The number of eggs recovered in the faeces at 8 days p.i was significantly higher for both groups. Immunosuppressed animals eliminated increased quantities of eggs. The immune serum was able to detect 0.39 mu g/ml of L3 antigens. The antigen recognition in the immunosuppressed group was anticipated on the 8th day p.i. In conclusion, these results may represent a first step in the development of a rapid coproantigen detection kit for strongyloidiasis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.