Description:
The Strongyloides ELISA test is a qualitative enzyme immunoassay for the detection of antibodies to Strongyloides, in samples of human serum or plasma.
This test is intended to be performed by trained medical technologists only.
Strongyloidiasis is the disease caused by the Strongyloides stercoralis parasite. This organism is an intestinal nematode with worldwide distribution, but is especially common in tropical and subtropical regions. The disease usually manifests as intestinal symptoms (mild diarrhea). In a minority of cases, the organism will become extra-intestinal and may lead to septic shock and meningitis. Serological tests are useful in detecting infection by Strongyloides if the organism goes extra-intestinal and in excluding the organism from the diagnosis of other disorders (especially hematologic malignancies). Strongyloides infected patients are particularly at risk for severe complications if they are also immunocompromised.
The microwells are coated with Strongyloides L3 antigen. During the first incubation with the diluted patients’ sera, any antibodies which are reactive with the antigen will bind to the coated wells. After washing to remove the rest of the sample, the Enzyme Conjugate is added. If antibodies have been bound to the wells, the Enzyme Conjugate will then bind to these antibodies. After another series of washes, a chromogen (tetramethylbenzidine or TMB) is added. If the Enzyme Conjugate is present, the peroxidase will catalyze a reaction that consumes the peroxide and turns the chromogen from clear to blue. Addition of the Stop Solution ends the reaction and turns the blue color to a bright yellow color. The reaction may then be read visually or with an ELISA reader.