Evaluation of dot-ELISA for serodiagnosis of fasciolosis in naturally infected sheep

In order to evaluate dot-ELISA technique for serodiagnosis of ovine fasciolosis, 40 sera samples from infected and 10 as control from non infected sheep were collected from a local abattoir. Somatic antigens, and excretory/secretory (E/S) products of Fasciola were prepared. The nitrocellulose membrane disks (5 mm diameter) were coated with antigens and blocked with 3% skimmed milk. Then they were washed and incubated with sera for 60 min. The anti sheep immunoglobulin conjugate was used at 1:1000 dilutions for 60 min and incubated using DAB substrate. Disks were analysed at room temperature for the presence of any visible dot. Specificity and sensitivity of somatic and E/S antigens were 94.6%, 58.4% and 100%, 75%, respectively. No cross reaction was observed with Dicrocoelium dendriticum, Hydatid cyst and Cysticercus tenuicollis. It is concluded that dot-ELISA system by using E/S antigen is a useful mean to detect fasciolosis in sheep.