A complement-dependent enzyme immunoassay (C-EIA) with increased sensitivity for IgM-rich rabbit sera

An enzyme immunoassay involving activation of complement (C-EIA) was developed for rabbit polyclonal IgM antibodies against lipid A and lipopolysaccharide antigens. C-EIA was significantly higher in sensitivity for IgM-rich rabbit sera compared to EIA using anti-immunoglobulin secondary antibodies. Hence, C-EIA should be useful for the detection of weak IgM reactivities in rabbit sera, especially after short-time immunizations. Selective inhibition of both complement pathways indicated that C-EIA measures activation of the classical pathway.