Table 2. Comparative analysis of the diagnostic performance of four different antigens in ELISA.

	CE Confirmed cases, n = 54 (Sensitivity)			Healthy donors, n = 49 (Specificity)
	Overall (n = 54)	B2t negative (n = 12)	B2t positive (n = 42)
HF	44 (81.5%*)	4 (33%)	40 (95.2%)	46 (93.9%)
B2t	42 (77.8%*)	0 (0%)	42 (100%)	47 (95.9%)
2B2t	50 (92.6%)	9 (75%)	41 (97.6%)	47 (95.9%)
4B2t	43 (79.6%*)	3 (25%)	40 (95.2%)	39 (79.6%*)

The antigens tested were: hydatid fluid (HF), B2t, 2B2t and 4B2t recombinant proteins. IgG specific antibodies were investigated in patients with cystic echinococccosis (CE) and healthy donors. n = number of samples.

*: indicates significant differences between the HF, B2t or 4B2t and 2B2t-ELISA.