Advanced immunological studies on Cephalopina titillator with special references to the epidemiological uses of Dot-ELISA in camel sera.

Cephalopina titillator (C. titillator) is a common worldwide nasal bot fly larval infestation of camels, which belongs to the family Oestridae. This study aimed to evaluate two new immunologic diagnostic techniques; indirect-ELISA and Dot-ELISA, for the screening of C. titillator infestation in camels. Thirty slaughtered camel heads were examined carefully for the presence of C. titillator larvae. One hundred, third-stage larvae (L3), were dissected for the collection of their salivary glands, for the preparation of the salivary gland antigen. Blood samples were obtained for hematological and serological examinations. Results revealed a true prevalence of C. titillator in the sampled camels being 80% (24/30). Infested camels showed a significant reduction in leukocytes (P < 0.0001) and neutrophils (P = 0.045), and a significant increase in eosinophils and monocytes (P < 0.0001). The serological examination estimated apparent prevalence as 80% (24/30) and 90% (27/30) by Dot-ELISA and indirect-ELISA, respectively. Dot-ELISA revealed 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. While, indirect-ELISA displayed 100% sensitivity, 50% specificity, and 90% accuracy. Dot-ELISA exhibited perfect agreement with the gold standard test, so it could be considered an ideal, simple, and accurate immunologic screening technique for the detection of C. titillator in camels. © Indian Society for Parasitology 2020.