Immunetics - QualiCode Hydatid Disease Test Kit

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[The Disease] [Highlights] [Principle] [Methodology] [Components]

QualiCode^TM Hydatid Disease Kit

The Disease

Hydatid disease is caused by infection with the cestode Echinococcus granulosus. The disease is found in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, wherever sheep or other intermediate hosts are found. The QualiCode™ Hydatid Disease Kit presents a definitive means for detection of human antibodies to this parasite.

Hydatid disease develops when eggs of E. granulosus are transmitted from dogs or other carnivores, the definitive hosts, to a human host. The parasite normally cycles between dogs and sheep or other intermediate hosts. The eggs develop into the larval form, which grows into a hydatid cyst found most frequently in the liver. The hydatid cyst contains an outer membrane surrounding a large number of infectious protoscolices. Growth of the cysts produces the clinical symptoms of a space-occupying lesion. Rupture of a cyst is potentially life-threatening, and any release of protoscolices may lead to growth of new cysts, thereby spreading the infection. E. granulosus is the most common of the four species known to infect man with serious consequences.

Serology has been a primary tool in the diagnosis of hydatid disease, and is frequently used in combination with CT, MRI or ultrasound. Echinococcosis has been successfully treated by various combinations of surgery and chemotherapy, although recurrence is frequent.

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Highlights

The QualiCode™ Hydatid Disease Kit offers:

Qualitative detection of lgG antibodies to E. granulosus
Sensitivity of 80% and specificity of 100% in patients with hepatic cysts.
Fast turn around time for test results under 1 1/2 hours.
Batch testing of samples.

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Principle

The QualiCode™ Hydatid Disease Kit provides a sensitive and specific means for detection of antibodies to Echinococcus granulosus. Hydatid cyst proteins are denatured by detergent disruption. Cyst antigens are fractionated according to molecular weight by electrophoresis on a polyacrylamide slab gel in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate. The separated cyst antigens are then transferred via electrophoretic blotting from the gel to a nitrocellulose membrane. The membrane can then be cut into strips for individual sample testing.

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Methodology

Three Simple Steps:

Diluted serum/plasma, containing antibodies, is added to a strip containing hydatid antigens and incubated.
Goat anti-human immunoglobulin-alkaline phosphatase Conjugate is added and will bind to any hydatid antibody/protein complex.
Added BCIP/NBT Substrate Solution reacts with the enzyme. Antibody/protein complexes appear as colored bands. The bands of protein, like a bar code, are unique for hydatid The strip is compared to the lot-specific immunostained Reference Strip included with every kit for band identification and the intensity of the bands is monitored by comparison to the Hydatid™ Disease Positive Control.

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Components

To simplify interpretation of results, the following components are provided with every kit:

Reference Strips - every kit contains a lot-specific immunostained Reference Strip. This strip is taken from the left edge of the same membrane used in the kit . The strips have already been developed using the Positive Control providing a quick reference for all patient samples and controls.
Positive and Negative Controls (100 µl each) - provide internal QC to verify that the assay has run correctly.
Record Sheet - this sheet provides a grid for aligning the sample strips with the Reference Strips. This not only simplifies interpretation of results but also provides full documentation of the assay. On one slip of paper all results are recorded along with date, operator, kit lot number/expiration date, and interpretation of the band patterns.

Cat#(IgG: DK-C092-024)
contains 24 strips, all reagents necessary to perform the assay, and three 8-channel incubation trays.

* FOR RESEARCH USE ONLY. NOT FOR USE IN DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES.

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Immunetics, Inc.
27 Drydock Ave, 6th Floor, Boston MA 02210 USA
Tel: 617.896.9100 Toll-Free: 800.227.4765
Fax: 617.896.9110 email: info@immunetics.com