OBJECTIVES:
Hyperinfection or disseminated strongyloidiasis has been frequently reported after transplants and is related to high mortality. This study aimed to screen for strongyloidiasis using serological diagnoses in transplant candidates.
METHODS:
An ELISA test was performed with filariform larvae of
Strongyloides venezuelensis
as a source of antigen.
RESULTS:
In the serum from transplant candidates, anti-
Strongyloides
IgG antibodies were detected in 35/150 (23.3%) samples by soluble fractions in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), 31/150 (20.7%) samples by soluble fractions in Tris-HCl, 27/150 (18.0%) samples by membrane fractions in PBS and 22/150 (14.7%) samples by membrane fractions in Tris-HCl.
CONCLUSIONS:
The present results suggest the ELISA test, ideally using soluble fractions of filariform larvae
S. venezuelensis
in PBS, as an additional strategy for the diagnosis of strongyloidiasis in transplant candidates.