Visceral larva migrans: Examinations by means of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of human sera for antibodies to excretory-secretory antigens of the second-stage larvae ofToxocara canis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is described for the detection of serum antibodies to visceral larva migrans (Toxocariasis). Excretory-secretory antigens of the second-stage larvae ofToxocara canis were used as antigen to coat the polystyrene plates. With sera from patients high antibody titers were observed in both ocular and visceral disorders. Cross-reactions due to other parasitic infections could be excluded, including other migrating larval infections such as ascariasis, trichinellosis, strongyloidiasis, filariasis, and anisakiasis. In a small seroepidemiologic survey of healthy primary schoolchildren, a remarkably high percentage (7.1) reacted positively to this method. These children showed eosinophilia as compared to the seronegative group. The data were compared with those observed in other countries and the results prompt reconsideration of the significance ofT. canis for public health.