New enzyme immunoassay for detecting cryptococcal antigen

Results obtained with a recently introduced enzyme immunoassay system (EIA) for the detection of cryptococcal antigen (Meridian Diagnostics Inc) were compared with those obtained by a latex agglutination (LA) method (Immuno-Mycologics, Norman, Oklahoma, USA). Fifty four samples were examined. There was 92% agreement between the two methods. One false positive result was obtained with LA, and one sample was inevaluable. The EIA was rapid and simple to perform. There was some evidence that it gave fewer false positive reactions and improved the diagnosis of genuine early cases.