[Serodiagnosis of cysticercosis by ELISA and western blot. Their value and limitations in Madagascar].

Cysticercosis is linked to the infestation of men (or pigs) by the larval stage of Toenia solium: Cysticercus cellulosae. This disease, very common in the Third World, represents in Madagascar, a very serious problem for Public Health. Neurocysticercosis, particularly, must be detected before the stage of evolution towards cicatrisation. Two biological tests have been developed: 1) ELISA test: Cysticercus antigen is prepared from pig cysticercus, with addition of PMSF: proteases inhibitor increasing antigen stability. We present sensitivity and specificity studies of the test. 2) Western Blot test: E.I.T.B.: this test completes first test in case of negative ELISA test with clinical signs. In this case, evolving diagnosis is supported by low weight proteins revelation by patient's serum. These two tests applied to 100 positives cases have permitted the chemotherapy indication, with favorable results in more that 80% of the cases.