Abstract: 　Objective To prove the value of ELISA in detecting serum IgG 4 in the diagnosis of clonorchiasis. Methods ELISA was used to detect the specific IgG and IgG 4 antibodies in sera from the patients with clonorchiasis and other parasitic diseases and from healthy persons. Results The sensitivity and specificity of IgG 4 antibodies detected by ELISA in sera from the patients with clonorchiasis showed no significant difference with that of IgG detected. The cross reaction rate of IgG 4 in sera from patients infected with other parasites was significantly lower than that of IgG detection. The diagnostic efficiency and the positive and negative predictive values were 96.45%, 100% and 92.85%, respectively. Conclusion The specific IgG 4 detected by ELISA showed the same sensitivity and specificity as IgG in diagnosing clonorchiasis and less cross reaction with sera from the patients infected with other parasites. Therefore, the specific IgG 4 detection by ELISA had higher diagnostic value than IgG detection in diagnosing clonorchiasis.

Key words: clonorchiasis, ELISA, IgG 4, antibody detection, serodiagnosis