Evaluation of a skin test for onchocerciasis in Guatemala
Mueller, J.C.; Mitchell, D.W.; Garcia-Monza, G.A.; Aguilar, F.J.; Scholtens, R.G.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 22(3): 337-342
1973
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 4706427 Document Number: 59047
An antigen prepared from Onchocerca gutturosa obtained from cattle was used in skin tests on 412 persons in the Guatemala highlands, an area endemic for O. volvulus. The skin tests were carried out using needle and hypodermic jet injection. The O. gutturosa antigen was found to be as sensitive in detecting onchocerciasis as previously tested antigens. There was a low rate of false positives (6) in 102 Guatemalans living in non-endemic areas. Reactions to injections given by jet injector were more variable than to those given by needle but it is suggested that the use of a higher concentration of antigen would increase the sensitivity of jet injector skin testing.