Ascariasis is an infection caused by a parasitic roundworm, Ascaris Lumbricoides, and is the most common intestinal worm infection. It is found in association with poor personal hygiene and sanitation, and in places where human faeces are used as fertiliser. Intake of food or drink contaminated with roundworm eggs causes infection, and during larval movement through the lungs, an uncommon form of pneumonia called Eosinophilic pneumonia may occur.

Available kit: Ascaris lumbricoides IgA ELISA (EIA-3817)

Cryptosporidium is a coccidian parasite recognised as an important enteric pathogen, causing an acute, though self-limiting, infection in immunocompetent individuals. Symptoms range from mild to severe diarrhoea, and in immunocompromised patients the infection can be much more severe and often life-threatening. An antigen-capture ELISA for use with stools offers comparable sensitivity to experienced microscopic examination, without requiring the observation of intact organisms.

Available kit: Cryptosporidiu Antigen (Stool) ELISA (EIA-3467)

E. histolytica is the protozoan parasite responsible for amebiasis. Symptoms of acute amebiasis include diarrhoea and colitis, and the disease may manifest as acute, chronic, or asymptomatic infection. A percentage of intestinal amebic infections become extra-intestinal and cause abscesses in various organs — if extra-intestinal amebiasis is suspected, a serology test should be used for diagnosis.

Available kits: Entamoeba Histolytica IgG ELISA (EIA-3830); Entamoeba histolytica kits Ag (stool) ELISA (EIA-3473)

Fascioliasis is a parasitic disease caused by liver fluke species of the genus Fasciola, primarily Fasciola hepatica and Fasciola gigantica. Estimates suggest up to 17 million people are infected worldwide. Adult worms usually reside in the bile ducts, where they can live for many years. Serological testing becomes positive during the early phase of liver migration, making it useful for diagnosing early symptoms before eggs appear in the faeces.

Available kit: Fasciola IgG ELISA (EIA-4503)

Giardia lamblia is one of the most common human intestinal protozoan pathogens worldwide, with incidence reaching 2–7% in central Europe and exceeding 50% in tropical countries. The clinical picture ranges from an asymptomatic carrier state to acute diarrhoea, often accompanied by abdominal pain and flatulence. Immunological methods detecting Giardia lamblia antigens overcome the limitations of time-consuming microscopic staining techniques.

Available kits: Giardia lamblia Ag (stool) ELISA (EIA-3477); Giardia Lamblia Ag (stool) ELISA (EIA-6059)

The clinical manifestations of leptospirosis can range from a mild catarrh-like illness to icteric disease with severe liver and kidney involvement. Human infection typically results from direct exposure to infected animals or environments contaminated by animal carriers, with organisms entering the host through skin abrasions, mucosal surfaces, or the eye. Antibodies may become detectable by the 6th to 10th day of illness, generally reaching peak levels within 3 to 4 weeks.

Available kits: Leptospira IgG ELISA (EIA-5751); Leptospira IgM ELISA (EIA-5752)

Schistosomes belong to the class of distomas (trematodes) and are among the most frequent pathogens, with more than 200 million people estimated to be affected worldwide. Humans are (re)infected through contact with fresh water contaminated with ova from infected urine or faeces. After 3 to 10 weeks, the sexually mature worms produce cytotoxic and allergic substances which cause a feverish reaction in humans, known as Katayama fever.

Available kits: Schistosoma mansoni IgG ELISA (EIA-3872); Schistosoma mansoni IgM ELISA (EIA-5904)

Strongyloides stercoralis is the human parasitic roundworm responsible for strongyloidiasis, typically found in tropical and subtropical climates. Symptoms include dermatitis at the site of skin penetration, and if the parasite migrates to the lungs, wheezing and coughing may occur alongside pneumonia-like symptoms (Löffler’s syndrome). In immunocompromised individuals, infection can lead to disseminated strongyloidiasis.

Available kits: Strongyloides IgG ELISA (EIA-4208); Strongyloides IgG/IgM ELISA (EIA-5812)

Toxoplasma gondii is a small intracellular parasite. Approximately half of Toxoplasma infections are clinically asymptomatic, with the remainder presenting non-specific symptoms such as mild fever, fatigue, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. Infections during pregnancy may result in transplacental transmission to the fetus, with the trimester of infection influencing the clinical outcome. In AIDS patients, Toxoplasma encephalitis is a significant cause of death.

Available kits: Toxoplasma gondii IgA ELISA (EIA-3683); Toxoplasma gondii IgG ELISA (EIA-3519); Toxoplasma gondii IgG Avidity ELISA (EIA-5965); Toxoplasma gondii IgM ELISA (EIA-3520)

Trichinosis (trichinellosis) is caused by nematodes of the genus Trichinella and is acquired by ingesting meat containing cysts of Trichinella. Larvae develop into adult worms within the small bowel mucosa before migrating to the striated muscles, where they encyst. Light infections may be asymptomatic, and while most symptoms subside within a few months, severe cases can result in death.

Available kit: Trichinella spiralis IgG ELISA (EIA-3866)

Bartonella henselae is a fastidious, slow-growing Gram-negative bacterium causing cat scratch disease (CSD) in immunocompetent patients, or bacillary angiomatosis in immunosuppressed patients. The predominant symptom is regional lymphadenopathy, developing 2–3 weeks after exposure, with the axillary, epitrochlear, head, neck, and groin lymph nodes most frequently affected. B. henselae is the third most infectious cause of fever of unknown origin.

Available kit: Bartonella Ab ELISA (EIA-6119)

Bordetella pertussis produces a single disease syndrome in humans known as pertussis or whooping cough — a highly contagious childhood disease, transmitted via respiratory contact and associated with a high mortality rate in the first year of life. In the absence of immunisation, essentially no one escapes pertussis. Clinical pertussis is followed by naturally acquired immunity which is long-lasting but not permanent.

Available kits: Bordetella pertussis/toxin IgA ELISA (EIA-3449); Bordetella pertussis/toxin IgA ELISA (EIA-3450); Bordetella pertussis/toxin IgA ELISA (EIA-3451); Bordetella pertussis/toxin IgA ELISA (EIA-6132, quantitative); Bordetella pertussis/toxin IgA ELISA (EIA-6133, quantitative)

Brucella is a small, non-flagellated, non-spore-forming Gram-negative bacterium. Worldwide, brucellosis remains a major source of disease in humans and domesticated animals, with bovine brucellosis — caused mainly by B. abortus — the most widespread form. High-risk groups include abattoir workers, meat inspectors, animal handlers, veterinarians, and laboratory personnel. Brucellosis is a nationally notifiable disease.

Available kits: Brucella IgG ELISA (EIA-3455); Brucella IgG ELISA (EIA-3456)

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent cause of sexually transmitted infections worldwide, with an estimated 400–500 million cases. In women, it can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), tubal infertility, and ectopic pregnancy; in men, it can cause acute genital inflammation and, in some cases, sexually acquired reactive arthritis (SARA). A major concern with Chlamydia infections is their frequently asymptomatic and insidious progression. After primary infection, IgM, IgA, and IgG antibodies appear in serum successively — IgG antibodies are markers of past exposure, IgM indicates acute infection, and IgA suggests ongoing progression. C. pneumoniae causes respiratory diseases such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

Available kits: Chlamydia Pneumoniae IgA ELISA (EIA-4160); Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA ELISA (EIA-3912); Chlamydia pneumoniae IgA ELISA (EIA-3913); Chlamydia trachomatis IgA ELISA (EIA-3461); Chlamydia trachomatis IgA ELISA (EIA-3462); Chlamydia trachomatis IgA ELISA (EIA-3463)

Haemophilus influenzae type B (HiB) is a very common cause of invasive, critical infectious diseases in children up to the age of six, with symptoms including pericarditis, osteomyelitis, meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, and otitis. Vaccination with PRP-containing vaccines is recommended for children aged 3 months or older, and HiB IgG ELISA is used to measure PRP-specific IgG antibodies following immunisation, to monitor humoral immune status.

Available kit: Haemophilus Influenzae IgG ELISA (EIA-2530)

Helicobacter pylori is a spiral Gram-negative bacterium which colonises the human gastric mucosa and is the primary causative agent in most cases of peptic ulcer disease. In 1994, the WHO classified Helicobacter pylori as a category 1 carcinogen. The infection rate in Europe is about 30–40%, and worldwide about 50%, with an inverse relationship between infection and socioeconomic status.

Available kits: Helicobacter pylori IgA ELISA (EIA-3483); Helicobacter pylori IgG ELISA (EIA-3484); Helicobacter pylori IgG ELISA (EIA-1791); Helicobacter pylori IgM ELISA (EIA-2111); H. pylori Ag (stool) ELISA (EIA-6167)

Neisseria meningitidis, also known as meningococcus, is a heterotrophic Gram-negative diplococcal bacterium, best known for its role in meningitis and other forms of meningococcal disease. It exclusively infects humans and is the only form of bacterial meningitis known to cause epidemics. Twelve subtypes or serogroups of N. meningitidis have been identified, five of which (A, B, C, Y, and W135) are recognised as causing epidemics.

Available kit: Meningitis IgG ELISA (EIA-4918)

Mycoplasmas are the smallest free-living organisms known and, unlike regular bacteria, lack a cell wall. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is primarily an obligate respiratory pathogen in humans, affecting the nasopharynx, throat, trachea, bronchi, bronchioles, and alveoli. M. pneumoniae is estimated to cause 15–20% of all pneumonias, with the highest rates observed in children and young adults.

Available kits: Mycoplasma Pneumonia IgA ELISA (EIA-3848); Mycoplasma pneumonia IgG ELISA (EIA-3499); Mycoplasma pneumonia IgM ELISA (EIA-3500)

Treponema pallidum, the causative agent of syphilis, is transmitted through direct contact, usually via sexual intercourse. After an incubation period of 12–30 days, the first symptoms to appear are chancres, followed by syphilitic ulcers. Treatment with antibiotics during the earliest stage of the disease is essential to prevent epidemics, and antenatal and blood donor screenings are mandatory in most countries worldwide.

Available kits: Treponema pallidum IgG ELISA (EIA-3517); Treponema pallidum IgM ELISA (EIA-4267); Syphilis Ab (Screening) ELISA (EIA-4405)

Adenoviruses are double-stranded DNA viruses that invade the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and conjunctiva. Adenovirus infections are widely distributed and common, with most infections occurring in childhood.
The disease is normally acute and self-limiting, although infections may be prolonged and asymptomatic and may remain latent for a long time.

Available kit: Adenovirus IgA ELISA (EIA-3445), Adenovirus IgA ELISA (EIA-3446), Adenovirus IgA ELISA (EIA-3447)

Cytomegalovirus is a member of the herpesvirus group and has the characteristic ability to remain dormant within the body for extended periods. Initial CMV infection may cause few symptoms and is followed by prolonged, inapparent infection. Reactivation can occur when the immune system is severely impaired.

CMV poses particular risks to unborn babies during pregnancy, immunocompromised individuals and organ transplant recipients. CMV IgG antibody testing, together with IgM testing, can help confirm recent or previous infection.

Available kits: CMV IgG ELISA (EIA-3468), CMV IgG ELISA (EIA-3469), CMV IgG Buccal Swab ELISA (RUO) (EIA-6110)

Infectious mononucleosis is an acute lymphoproliferative disease common in children and young adults and caused by Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). Characteristic clinical features include fever, sore throat and lymphadenopathy. Serological tests such as EIA are useful for detecting anti-EBV IgG and IgM antibodies, particularly where heterophil antibodies are absent.

Available kit: EBV (EA) IgG ELISA (EIA-6203+, EBV (EA) IgM ELISA (EIA-6204), EBV VCA IgA ELISA (EIA-4472), EBV-VCA IgG ELISA (EIA-3475), EBV-VCA IgM ELISA (EIA-3476), EBV EBNA-1 IgG ELISA (EIA-4246), EBV EBNA-1 IgM ELISA (EIA-4247), Epstein Barr Virus EBV (EBNA) IgG ELISA (EIA-3906)

Hantaviruses are negative-sense RNA viruses. Humans may become infected through urine, saliva or contact with rodent waste products. Some hantaviruses can cause serious disease, including haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Human infections have been associated predominantly with contact with rodent excrement.

Available kits: Hanta Virus IgG ELISA (EIA-5858), Hanta Virus IgM ELISA (EIA-5859)

Influenza viruses are RNA viruses transmitted through direct contact, large-droplet infection or contaminated surfaces. Influenza types A and B are responsible for epidemics of respiratory illness that occur almost every winter. Influenza is usually self-limiting, although vulnerable groups may develop serious and potentially life-threatening complications such as pneumonia.

Available kit: Influenza Virus A IgA ELISA (EIA-3792), Influenza Virus A IgG ELISA (EIA-3793), Influenza Virus A IgM ELISA (EIA-3794), Influenza Virus B IgA ELISA (EIA-3795), Influenza Virus B IgG ELISA (EIA-3796), Influenza Virus B IgM ELISA (EIA-3797)

Japanese encephalitis is caused by the mosquito-borne Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The disease is most prevalent in Southeast Asia and East Asia, and exposure can lead to severe symptoms including encephalitis. The JE IgG/IgM ELISA uses a recombinant antigen called JERA, which serves as a rapid serological marker for JEV infection.

Available kits: JE (Japanese Encephalitis) IgG ELISA RUO (EIA-4518R), JE (Japanese Encephalitis) IgM Capture ELISA (EIA-4505)

Mumps is an acute, contagious viral disease that mostly occurs in children. It primarily affects the parotid and related salivary glands, although infection can lead to central nervous system disease. Between 10% and 35% of mumps cases develop orchitis, which almost always occurs after puberty.

Available kit: Mumps IgG ELISA (EIA-3846), Mumps IgM ELISA (EIA-3847)

Parvovirus B19 causes erythema infectiosum, also known as “fifth disease”, a mild rash illness that most commonly affects children. Parvovirus B19 infection may cause serious illness in individuals with sickle-cell disease or other chronic anaemias, as well as those with compromised immune systems. Infection during pregnancy may also cause serious complications.

Available kits: Parvovirus B19 IgG ELISA (EIA-3503), Parvovirus B19 IgM ELISA (EIA-3504)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus and the causative pathogen for a common respiratory tract infection. RSV infections typically occur during annual community outbreaks in late autumn, winter or early spring. Most infants are infected during their first winter season, while severe lower respiratory tract disease can occur at any age, particularly among elderly people and those with compromised cardiac, pulmonary or immune systems.

Available kit: RSV IgA ELISA (EIA-3506), RSV IgG ELISA (EIA-3507), RSV IgM ELISA (EIA-3508)

Rubella is a contagious respiratory virus transmitted mainly by droplet infection. It generally causes mild constitutional symptoms and a generalised rash. When rubella occurs during pregnancy, there is a significant risk of severe damage to the fetus. Detection of antibodies by EIA or ELISA can assist in determining immune status.

Available kits: Rubella IgG ELISA (EIA-3510), Rubella Virus IgG Avidity ELISA (EIA-5966), Rubella IgM ELISA (EIA-3511)

Varicella-Zoster Virus causes varicella (chickenpox), a highly infectious childhood disease, and zoster (shingles). Both diseases are found worldwide. Varicella is the acute disease following primary contact with the virus, whereas zoster results from reactivation of the varicella virus, which remains latent in the body.

Available kit: VZV IgA ELISA (EIA-3522), VZV IgG ELISA (EIA-3523), VZV IgM ELISA (EIA-3524)

Zika Virus (ZIKV) is a single-stranded RNA virus primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Less common transmission routes include blood transfusion, perinatal transmission and sexual contact. Human infections are usually mild and self-limiting. Common symptoms include a maculopapular rash, low-grade fever, arthralgia, myalgia, headache and conjunctivitis. There is also a likely correlation between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and congenital brain malformations.

Available kits: Zika Virus IgG (capture) ELISA (EIA-5984), Zika Virus IgM μ-capture ELISA (EIA-5908)

The most common pathogen of the genus Aspergillus is A. fumigatus, occurring in hay, grain, rotten plants and bird faeces. Infections with Aspergillus spp. are generally airborne. Aspergillus spp. can cause chronic infection of the paranasal sinuses, eyes or lungs. Three types of lung aspergillosis can be distinguished: acute infection, saprophytic aspergilloma and allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Available kit: Aspergillus fumigatus IgA ELISA (EIA-6129), Aspergillus fumigatus IgA ELISA (EIA-6130)

Species of Candida are yeast-like fungi. The most important representative, Candida albicans, is a facultative pathogen in humans and is commonly found as transient flora on normal mucous membranes.

Although not pathogenic in healthy individuals, C. albicans may become opportunistic in people suffering from various disorders or undergoing intensive treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics or immunosuppressive measures.

Candidiasis is caused by C. albicans in approximately 90% of cases. It may produce lesions in the mouth, bronchi or lungs and can occasionally lead to septicaemia, endocarditis or meningitis.

Available kits: Candida albicans IgA ELISA (EIA-3457), Candida albicans IgA ELISA (EIA-3458), Candida albicans IgA ELISA (EIA-3459)