Abstract | BACKGROUND: A finding of antibodies to Gnathostoma spinigerum 24-kDa antigen by immunoblot analysis is currently used to confirm a diagnosis of gnathostomiasis. A simple skin test for the diagnosis of gnathostomiasis was developed, and the results were evaluated and compared with the standard Western blot (WB) test. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bangkok, Thailand, in 2008-2011. All eligible patients were tested with partially purified proteins of mAb-detected fractions pooled and sterilized by 0.2 μm diameter syringe filter, with a phenol saline solution of 1:10 w/v. RESULTS: A total of 69 cases, 39 gnathostomiasis cases and 30 controls, were enrolled into the study; the median age (IQR) was 40 (30.5-52.5) years. The most common presenting symptom was edema (56/69, 81%). Gnathostomiasis cases having strong cutaneous reactions to the intradermal test (81%) were also positive by immunoblot. A significant correlation between skin and immunoblot tests was detected (p<0.001). The difference in total IgE levels between cases and controls was not statistically significant (p=0.51). Logistic regression models showed that positive WB and skin-test results were significantly associated with gnathostomiasis (p=0.001 and p=0.007, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gnathostoma skin testing, using prepared fractionated antigen solution of Gnathostoma spinigerum, yields good reactivity and significantly correlates with the results of immunoblot testing.
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Authors | Wirach Maek-A-Nantawat, Valai Bussaratid, Benjaluck Phonrat, Wallop Pakdee, Supaporn Nuamtanong, Paron Dekumyoy |
Journal | Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene
(Trans R Soc Trop Med Hyg)
Vol. 108
Issue 2
Pg. 71-6
(Feb 2014)
ISSN: 1878-3503 [Electronic] England |
PMID | 24463581
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Antigens, Bacterial
- Immunoglobulin E
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Topics |
- Adult
- Antibody Specificity
- Antigens, Bacterial
(immunology)
- Case-Control Studies
- Cross-Sectional Studies
- Female
- Gnathostomiasis
(diagnosis, immunology)
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin E
(analysis)
- Logistic Models
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Sensitivity and Specificity
- Skin Tests
(methods)
- Thailand
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