Saliva and sera IgA and IgG in Egyptian Giardia-infected children

Parasitol Res. 2012 Aug;111(2):571-5. doi: 10.1007/s00436-012-2869-y. Epub 2012 Mar 9.

Abstract

Giardiasis is a gastrointestinal infection of wide distribution that is more prevalent in childhood. Easy and rapid diagnosis of giardiasis is essential for reduction of this infection. This cross-sectional study included 62 children in which collection of saliva, stool and serum samples was performed. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was evaluated to detect IgA and IgG responses in both saliva and serum samples. Twenty-two children were positive for Giardia duodenalis infection by direct examination of faecal specimens, 20 non-infected and 20 infected with other parasites. Salivary and serum IgA and IgG responses against G. duodenalis infection were significantly higher in Giardia parasitized than non-Giardia parasitized children (p < 0.001). This concludes that specific salivary IgA may serve as a diagnostic tool and specific salivary IgG as a screening tool in monitoring the exposure of various populations to Giardia duodenalis. The advantage of salivary assays over serum immunoglobulin assay is being easy and non-invasive in sampling technique which is important especially for young children.

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Egypt / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Giardiasis / epidemiology
  • Giardiasis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin A / blood*
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory / analysis*
  • Immunoglobulin G / analysis
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood*
  • Male
  • Saliva / immunology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin A
  • Immunoglobulin A, Secretory
  • Immunoglobulin G