Serodiagnosis of human paragonimiasis by ELISA-inhibition test using monoclonal antibodies

ELISA-inhibition test using Paragonimus westermani specific monoclonal antibody (Mab) was investigated to improve the diagnostic specificity of paragonimiasis. By cell fusion, one hybridoma clone secreting anti-P. westermani specific Mab was selected (Pwa-14), which reacted on bands of 28 kDa, 42.5 kDa, 89 kDa and 120.5 kDa. IFA showed Pwa-14 was located at the vitelline follicles. By micro-ELISA, 100% of 22 paragonimiasis cases were found positive, but 5 of 40 clonorchiasis cases (12.5%), 3 of 26 cysticercosis cases (7.7%) showed false positive. None of 10 sparganosis patients or 28 normal controls reacted positively. On the other hand, by ELISA-inhibition test using a P. westermani specific Mab, 100% of paragonimiasis cases were found positive, and there were no positive in cysticercosis, sparganosis cases or normal controls, except 2 (5.0%) false-positive sera of 40 clonorchiasis cases. The ELISA-inhibition test using a Mab showed higher specificity in comparison with micro-ELISA for serodiagnosis of human paragonimiasis.