Evaluation of a rapid dot-ELISA as a field test for the diagnosis of cystic hydatid disease.

A rapid dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) was developed as a field test for the diagnosis of cystic hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus granulosus. The 30 min test was based on the detection of antibodies to antigen B of hydatid fluid and was carried out using 50 microliters of whole blood in a field assessment in the Turkana region of north-west Kenya. Initial laboratory studies showed antigen B to be preferable to crude cyst fluid, with 94% sensitivity and 90.3% specificity for Echinococcus infections. The field test was rapid, inexpensive and simple to perform and is considered to be a useful back-up to ultrasound scanning.