Crude protoscolex antigens of echinococcus granulosus as serological markers for human hydatidosis detection

• Published in: Scientific Reports
• Main Authors: Dania Skhal, Abdul Qader Abbady, Hussain Chaban, Samar Al Nahhas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-08-01
• Subjects: Echinococcus granulosus; Hydatidosis; Syria; Protoscolex; ELISA
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-17798-1

Abstract Cystic echinococcosis (CE) or hydatidosis is a parasitic disease affecting both humans and animals. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the ELISA test in diagnosis of human hydatidosis using crude protoscolices antigens. Echinococcus granulosus protoscolices were isolated from the human liver hydatid cyst (local strain G1). Their crude antigen was prepared by the sonication technique. One hundred and eight sera samples were collected from patients with hydatid cyst (n = 21), individuals with other infections (n = 27) and sheep breeders (n = 60). These sera were evaluated using the ELISA assay. The predictable rate of sensitivity for the ELISA using the crude antigens was 100% depending on the cut-off. Additionally, the estimated values of specificity, positive and negative predictive values and accuracy were 97.4%; 87.3%; 100% and 97.8%, respectively. Crud E. granulosus protoscolices antigens are considered suitable candidates for the sero-diagnosis of human CE. To identify a single antigen and increase its effectiveness in serologic diagnostic testing, more research on these antigens is needed.