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Detection and quantitation of antibodies against Rhizopus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
Abstract:
In sawmills high concentrations of spores from the mould Rhizopus microsporus may occur, causing allergic alveolitis in exposed workers. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic exposed workers may develop antibodies. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies to Rhizopus has been developed in order to study the relationship between antibody levels and exposure levels. The precision of the measurements of Rhizopus antibodies by ELISA carried out on the same microtiter plate was estimated to be 11%. It is therefore possible to detect changes in antibody levels of approximately 25% or more. Antibodies were studied longitudinally by ELISA in 60 wood trimmers. The observed changes in antibody levels exceeded the precision of the ELISA method substantially, indicating significant variability in antibody levels in wood trimmers. The ELISA test was compared with the double immunodiffusion test (DID). Sera from 67 wood trimmers were analyzed by both methods. Antibodies were detected by ELISA in 70% and by DID in 28% of the workers in this group, clearly demonstrating that the ELISA test is the most sensitive method for the detection of antibodies to Rhizopus.
Insights
Workers in sawmills exposed to Rhizopus microsporus mould can develop allergic alveolitis. A new enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a more sensitive method for detecting antibodies to this mould.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Mycology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sawmill workers face high exposure to Rhizopus microsporus spores.
- Exposure can lead to allergic alveolitis and antibody development in workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for detecting Rhizopus antibodies.
- To assess the relationship between antibody levels and occupational exposure.
- To compare the sensitivity of ELISA with the double immunodiffusion test (DID).
Main Methods:
- Development of an ELISA for Rhizopus antibody detection.
- Longitudinal study of antibody levels in 60 wood trimmers using ELISA.
- Comparison of ELISA and DID tests on 67 wood trimmers' sera.
Main Results:
- ELISA demonstrated a precision of 11%, capable of detecting changes of ~25% or more.
- Significant variability in antibody levels was observed in wood trimmers over time.
- ELISA detected antibodies in 70% of workers, compared to 28% with DID.
Conclusions:
- ELISA is a highly sensitive method for detecting Rhizopus antibodies in exposed workers.
- The developed ELISA can monitor antibody level changes, indicating exposure and immune response.
- ELISA offers superior sensitivity over DID for diagnosing mould-induced occupational allergies.