Chicken egg yolk antibodies (IgY) for detecting circulating antigens of Schistosoma japonicum

BackgroundIgY isolated from egg yolk has been widely used in immunodiagnostic tests, including tests to detect circulating antigen (soluble egg antigen or SEA) of Schistosoma japonicum.ResultsA sandwich ELISA was established using a combination of anti-S. japonicum SEA-IgY polyclonal antibodies and IgM monoclonal antibodies. To explore sensitivity and specificity of the sandwich ELISA, serum samples from 43 patients infected with S. japonicum were tested. All acute cases and 91.3% of the chronic cases showed a positive reaction. Only 5% of the control sera from healthy persons gave a positive response. Cross-reactions with antibodies to nine other parasites were rare.ConclusionThe developed immunoassay is reasonably sensitive and specific. It could be used for field research and treatment efficacy assessments.

► A new ELISA for detection of circulating antigen of S. japonicum was developed.
► IgY polyclonal antibody and IgM monoclonal antibody was used in the new ELISA.
► IgY preparation is easily and do not activate the mammalian complement system.
► All acute cases and 91.3% of the chronic cases showed a positive reaction.
► The ELISA may be preferred for routine clinical use and amenable to scaling up.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide