COMPARISON OF IMMUNOFLUORESCENCE AND, ELISA IN THE DETECTION OF MALARIAL ANTIBODIES IN SOUTHERN IRAN

Abstract

In order to compare the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and indirect fluorescent antibody technique (IFAT) in detection of malarial antibodies, 652 sera samples collected in the Health Survey Project (1975) in a random sampling method from about 10% or residents of selected villages in Bandar Abbas and Minab areas of Southern Iran, were tested with the above two serological methods. In microscopical examination of blood films malaria parasite (P. vivax) was found in 12 cases. Malarial antibodies were detected with Aotus P. falciparum and P. vivax malaria antigens in titers ≥ 40 in 2"4.3% find 34.9% respectively. The ELISA values with Aotus, P. falcifJCIrum antigen in 15.6% were more than 0.2 In general, the IF AT showed a considerably higher positively rate than the ELISA. The result of both types of serological assay indicated a progressive incoming of positivity rate and antibody level with the age. In the present study malaria antibody was not detected by ELISA. In some P. vivax parasitologlcally proved cases; perhaps due to the using of heterologus P. falciparum antigen. The use of mixed polyvalent P. falciparum and P. fieldi malaria antigens was more efficient in detecting highest titres of malaria antiboies.