Development and evaluation of indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay for the serological diagnosis of Microsporum canis infection in humans

Purpose. - The aim of this study was to develop and evaluate the diagnostic potential of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) for the rapid and precise diagnosis of Microsporum canis infection in humans. Basic procedures. - The present study reports the production, partial purification and SDS-PAGE analysis of M. canis mycelial antigens and production of specific polyclonal antibodies. It also reports the development and optimization of indirect ELISA and evaluation of its potential for the diagnosis of M. canis infection in humans. Main findings. - An I-ELISA showed the sensitivity of 94.55% and specificity of 93.33%. Positive and negative predictive values were 96.30% and 90.32% respectively. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis of the data showed higher diagnostic accuracy. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.925. A significant correlation coefficient of 0.8771 (P <0.0001) was obtained between I-ELISA and fungal culture method. Principal conclusions. - In conclusion, the present study clearly shows the detection of specific antibodies by indirect ELISA using M. canis antigens. The assay is sensitive, specific and easy to perform, could enable rapid and more convenient diagnosis of dermatophytosis in humans. (C) 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.