[Usefulness of blood specimens on paper strips for serologic studies with inhibition ELISA]

To evaluate the usefullness of the collecting method of blood samples in filter paper strips for anti-dengue antibody detection using an ELISA Inhibition test which has been recently developed in our laboratory, blood samples collected on filter paper strips and serum samples were obtained from the same blood donors. Both samples were kept at -20 degrees C and tested at 15 days, 3 and 6 months. Titers were determined in positive samples. Comparing the results, no significant differences were found between serum samples and blood samples collected in filter paper strips in relation to the number of negative and positive cases. Nevertheless, it was observed in both types of samples a decrease of the antibody titers (one dilution) in the longest period of our study (6 months).