Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were developed in order to detect coproantigens (CAgs), coproantibodies (CAbs) and faecal immune complexes (FIC) in rats experimentally infected with Trichinella spiralis. The usefulness of these assays was compared to that of a conventional ELISA for detection of serum antibodies (Abs) to muscle larvae excretory–secretory products (ML–ESP). The ELISA for CAgs was the first parameter to give a positive result but the detection was limited only to day 2 p.i. CAbs against ML–ESP and adult worm excretory–secretory products (AW–ESP) was first positive on day 4 p.i. Anti-ML–ESP remained positive until day 12 p.i. while CAbs against AW–ESP remained positive throughout the study period. Specific IgE and IgA were found. FIC were detected between days 2 and 8 p.i. Serum Abs began to appear on day 10 p.i. Therefore, the ELISA for CAbs was a suitable assay for the detection of the enteral and early phases of the infection.
