Abstract: Species of schistosoma , such as schistosoma mansoni, S. japonicum and S. haematobium, which infect humans and animals, synthesize the Lewisx (Lex), lacdiNAc (LDN) and fucosylated LDN (LDNF) carbohydrate antigens. Parasitic helminths other than schistosomes, such as Dirofilaria immitis (responsible for heartworm), Fasciola hepatica (a liver fluke) and Haemonchus contortus (intestinal fluke) also synthesize the LDN and LDNF antigens, but they do not synthesize, or synthesize only undetectable amounts of, Lex antigen. The differential detection and abundance of the Lex, LDN and LDNF antigens in sera and other bodily fluids of individuals is diagnostic of the presence of active and/or previous infections from schistosomes and other parasitic helminths. The present invention is directed to methods of differential detection and diagnosis of parasitic helminth infections, and kits for use in such methods.