A comparative study of some immunological tests for schistosomiasis before and after treatment.

Abstract The results of the FA tests, IDT and COP tests for schistosomiasis in the U.A.R. before and after treatment are recorded. As a screening test the FACCT proved to be the test of choice, giving 100% positive results; it was more sensitive than the FAUCT (98·1% positive). Both the IDT and the COFPT gave more than 97% positive results; they are therefore reliable screening tests for bilharziasis. The COFPT proved to be more reliable than the COPT which gave 92% positive results; this is explained by the fact that fluorescence adds to the reliability of the test. In all the subjects followed up after treatment, both the IDT and the FAT tests remained positive, except in one who was negative to both tests 23 years after effective treatment. The 2 COP tests, on the other hand, proved to be reliable for assessment of cure, the COFPT being more sensitive and easier to read.