The detection of antibodies to S. stercoralis antigen by using the Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay was evaluated in 27 patients with strongyloidiasis diagnosed by demonstration of larvae of S. stercoralis in the stool. Significant titers of antibody were observed in 25 (92%) patients. In 17 controls with or without other parasitic infections, titers were considered positive in 3 (18%). We also report three cases in which the diagnosis of strongyloidiais was initially made only by the serological test These observations suggest that documentation of antibody to S. stercoralis by the ELISA technique may contribute to the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis. In addition, the test may be of great value in acute strongyloidiasis and in the diagnosis of patients with unexplained eosinophilia.
Strongyloidiasis; ELISA technique; Strongyloides stercoralis; Severe strongyloidiasis