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Comparison of four commercially available ELISA kits for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica in Irish cattle
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2019-11-21
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Munita, M.P., Rea, R., Martinez-Ibeas, A.M. et al. Comparison of four commercially available ELISA kits for diagnosis of Fasciola hepatica in Irish cattle. BMC Vet Res 15, 414 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-019-2160-x
Abstract
Background: Fasciola hepatica is a liver parasite of mammals and it results in poor welfare outcomes and
economic losses in ruminants. While faecal egg count is the test most commonly used for diagnosis, it does not
indicate presence of migrating immature stages. Serological techniques increase sensitivity at all stages of the liver
fluke infection. The aim of this study was to compare four commercially available ELISA tests for the diagnosis of F.
hepatica. For this purpose, we tested three sample types; (i) known F. hepatica status sera from an experimental
infection for the comparison of sensitivities and specificities, (ii) sera from pre- and post-flukicide-treated
(albendazole, closantel, nitroxynil and triclabendazole) beef cattle to contrast the differences of seropositivity before
and after treatment, and (iii) bulk tank milk samples from dairy herds sampled during high and low F. hepatica
exposure periods for assessing seasonal variations with the four tests available. Samples were tested using ELISA kits
supplied by four manufacturers (Ildana Biotech, IDEXX, Svanova, and Bio-X). Samples were analysed simultaneously
and in duplicate.
Results: In the control population Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X presented 100% sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp),
Svanovir presented a Se of 59% and a Sp of 96%. In flukicide-treated beef cattle, kits highlighted decreasing
antibody levels 90 days post-treatment in variable degrees. Finally, bulk milk showed a significant decrease in ELISA
value between high and low fluke exposure periods with all tests studied.
Conclusions: Se and Sp found in the present study, confirm that Ildana, IDEXX and Bio-X are accurate for the
detection of F. hepatica exposure in Irish cattle. Svanovir Se and Sp in this population, indicate that a larger study is
necessary to confirm this test characteristic in Irish herds. In post-treatment use, Bio-X showed a consistent and
significant decrease of ELISA value in all groups treated, denoting to be a reliable tool for assessing treatment effect
at 90 days post-treatment. Finally, all tests showed to be a reliable tool for the F. hepatica monitoring of high and
low exposure seasons, using bulk tank milk samples.