Strongyloides Ratti ELISA Kit

Intended Use:
The Bordier Strongyloides ratti ELISA kit is intended for the quantitative detection of IgG antibodies against Strongyloides nematodes in human serum. Serology is an aid for diagnosis and cannot be used as the sole method of diagnosis.

Background:
Strongyloidiasis is caused by the nematode Strongyloides stercoralis. Humans can be infected by contacting contaminated soil with Strongyloides larvae, which can percutaneously enter the body through exposed skin, such as bare feet. Most infected people do not show any symptoms, or they exhibit unspecific signs such as stomachache, nausea, diarrhea, cough or rash. However, in some cases, hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis can occur in people who are on corticosteroids, other immunosuppressive therapies or who are suffering from AIDS or other immunodeficiencies. Diagnosis is based on detection of parasite larvae in stool and a positive result by serological testing.

Principle and Presentation:
The kit provides all the material needed to perform 96 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) on breakable microtitration wells sensitized with Strongyloides ratti somatic larval antigens. Specific antibodies in the sample will bind to these antigens and washing will remove unspecific antibodies. The presence of parasite specific antibodies is detected with a Protein A – alkaline phosphatase conjugate. A second washing step will remove unbound conjugate. Revealing bound antibodies is made by the addition of pNPP substrate which turns yellow in the presence of alkaline phosphatase. Color intensity is proportional to the amount of Strongyloides ratti specific antibodies in the sample. Potassium phosphate is added to stop the reaction. Absorbance at 405 nm is read using an ELISA microplate reader.

The test can be performed with automatic systems, but this must be validated by the user.