Investigation of Patients with Suspected Cystic Echinococcosis by ELISA and IHA Methods in Gaziantep, Turkey

Abstract

Objective: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) caused by larval stage of Echinococcus granulosus is one of the neglected parasitic disease, of both medical and public health importance. It has a worldwide distribution including Turkey. The current study was designed to determine the seropositivity of E. granulosus infection in patients with suspected cystic echinococcosis attending to Dr.Ersin Arslan Training and Research Hospital in Gaziantep, Turkey. Materials and Methods: A total of 545 serum samples were taken from individuals were screened for the presence of E. granulosus IgG antibodies using in-house Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and the commercial Indirect Hemagglutination Assay kit (IHA-Fumouze kit). Furthermore, socio-demographic characteristics as gender, age, residence were analyzed by SPSS. Results: Out of 545 samples, antibodies to E. granulosus were detected in 148 (27.2%) patients with ELISA and 83 patients (15. 2%) were found positive with IHA test. Statistical comparison of two dependent categorical values (ELISA and IHA) showed statistical significance p <0.001. Lesion distribution of organ involvement in suspected patients was liver 498 (91.4%), lung 13 (2.4%), spleen 12 (2.2 %), multiple organ involvement 6 (1.1%) and other organ involvement 16 (2.9%). In the distribution according to age groups, the seropositivity of anti-E.granulosus IgG antibodies was increased in patients aged 40-49 years. According to ELISA and IHA results, 28 patients (18.9%) and 18 patients (21.7%) were in this age group, respectively. Conclusion: As a result, CE still represents a public health problem in Gaziantep, Turkey. Efforts should be continued, in both animals and humans side, by increasing public awareness.