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[E.L.I.S.A. in human coccidioidomycosis].
I N Tiraboschi1, B Marticorena, R Negroni
1Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina de Buenos Aires, (U.B.A.), Paraguay, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
A new Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) test effectively detects antibodies for Coccidioides immitis. While sensitive, cross-reactions with other fungal infections necessitate confirmatory testing.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Immunology
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection caused by Coccidioides immitis.
- Accurate serological tests are crucial for diagnosing coccidioidomycosis.
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) is a common immunoassay technique.
Purpose of the Study:
- To standardize and evaluate an ELISA test for detecting antibodies against Coccidioides immitis.
- To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the developed ELISA test.
- To determine the utility of ELISA in diagnosing coccidioidomycosis.
Main Methods:
- Standardization of an ELISA test using Coccidioides immitis exo-antigen.
- Testing of 67 human serum samples, including those from confirmed coccidioidomycosis cases, healthy individuals, and patients with other deep mycoses.
- Serum dilutions of 1/1000, 1/2000, 1/4000, and 1/8000 were used.
Main Results:
- The ELISA test showed positive reactions in 13 out of 18 confirmed coccidioidomycosis cases.
- Three out of 26 healthy individuals with positive skin tests reacted positively.
- Four out of 8 patients with other deep mycoses exhibited cross-reactions.
Conclusions:
- The ELISA test is a sensitive method for detecting antibodies, particularly in anticomplementary or low-antibody concentration samples.
- High sensitivity leads to frequent cross-reactions with other mycoses.
- Combining ELISA with more specific serological techniques is recommended for accurate diagnosis.