Serologic Screening Test for Detection of Ascariasis

摘要

Ascariasis remains a significant parasitic infection among children, particularly in settings where sanitation is limited and stool-based diagnosis is the routine approach. This study examined the potential use of antigen extracted from Ascaris suum as a serologic screening approach for the detection of ascariasis. An experimental laboratory-based design was used, combining community specimen collection and laboratory testing at Centro Escolar University-Makati. Using purposive sampling, stool and blood samples were obtained from 30 children aged 4 to 15 years from Barangay Hulo, Mandaluyong City. Stool specimens were examined through the Kato-Thick Technique in triplicate for the detection of Ascaris lumbricoides. Protein was extracted from Ascaris suum through homogenization, ammonium sulfate precipitation, and phosphate-buffered saline preparation, with Bradford reagent used to verify the presence of protein. The extracted antigen was then tested against participants' serum through indirect agglutination assay and Oudin immunodiffusion gel test, and the findings were compared descriptively with stool examination results. Of the 30 participants, 13 were positive for ascariasis by Kato-Thick Technique, while 17 were negative. The same 13 participants showed positive agglutination, whereas only 6 of these 13 produced a visible line of precipitation in the Oudin immunodiffusion test. The findings indicate preliminary serologic reactivity using Ascaris suum antigen and suggest that the approach may warrant further evaluation as a possible screening method for ascariasis.