A comparison of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and faecal egg examination for the diagnosis of bovine fascioliasis

Abstract

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of fascioliasis due to F. gigantica was found to be more sensitive for the diagnosis of fascioliasis when compared with Faecal Egg Examination (FEE).  An average monthly prevalence of 79.3% was observed for ELISA while FEE gave a prevalence of 28%.  This indicates that parasitological methods of diagnosis underestimates parasite prevalence.  There is therefore need to use conventional method of diagnosis in association with serological diagnosis.  Using ELISA for Fascioliasis diagnosis did not show definite seasonal pattern of prevalence of Fasciola antibody.  Anti-Fsciola antibody was present all year round.  However, using FEE showed a seasonal pattern with the dry season showing a lower prevalence.  This study demonstrate the advantages of immunological diagnosis over routine diagnosis ofparasitic infections.