Evaluation of circulating anti-Fasciola IgA antibodies by ELISA technique using two different Fasciola antigens.

Two types of Fasciola antigens: surface tegumental (ST) and excretory-secretory (ES) products of F. gigantica worms were used for performance of ELISA technique. Results showed that, the circulating anti-Fasciola IgA antibodies were detected in 98% and 94% and the specificity of the test was 93.4% and 89.7% using ST and ES antigens, respectively. As regards ST antigen, a highly significant elevation in the level of the circulating anti-Fasciola IgA antibodies was observed according to the intensity of infection as well as in those with hepatomegaly. There was a significant direct relation between the level of circulating anti-Fasciola IgA antibodies and eosinophilia, anaemia and liver function tests of fascioliasis patients when ST antigen was used.