A review of serological tests for the diagnosis of hydatid disease.

Reviewing the literature on hydatid serology for the period 1958-66, the author concludes that the complement-fixation test is not the most sensitive procedure but may have value for postoperative evaluation. The haemagglutination, bentonite-flocculation and latex-agglutination tests are the procedures of choice at present. The fluorescent-antibody test shows much promise, but requires further evaluation. The intradermal test performed with standardized antigen is useful for diagnosis and epidemiological studies. Reliable serological diagnosis of hydatid disease in animals awaits the use of more specific antigen. Although many related species share common antigens with Echinococcus granulosus, the sensitivity of the diagnostic serological tests is high because of the strongly specific response elicited by the specific antigens used. the need for further standardization of both antigen and test procedure is pointed out.