Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 11, 2026
05:25
Simultaneous Detection of Different Antibody Classes in a Multiplexed Serological Test
Published on: July 14, 2023
International Standard for Antistreptolysin-O
Bulletin of the World Health Organization
|July 7, 2010
Summary
A new International Standard for Antistreptolysin-O was established by the WHO. This standard, derived from patients with streptococcal infection, ensures accurate antistreptolysin-O testing globally.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Streptococcal infections pose a significant public health concern.
- Accurate measurement of antistreptolysin-O (ASO) is crucial for diagnosing and monitoring streptococcal diseases.
- Standardization of ASO assays is essential for reliable and comparable results across different laboratories.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an International Standard for Antistreptolysin-O.
- To validate the proposed standard through a collaborative study involving multiple international laboratories.
- To define the International Unit (IU) for Antistreptolysin-O.
Main Methods:
- A freeze-dried serum pool from patients with streptococcal infection was prepared.
- Twelve laboratories in eleven countries participated in a collaborative study.
- Laboratories performed ASO titrations using their own and a common streptolysin-O preparation, comparing results with the proposed international standard.
Main Results:
- The proposed serum pool was successfully established as the International Standard for Antistreptolysin-O by the WHO Expert Committee on Biological Standardization.
- Good agreement was observed among majority of laboratories, especially when using the same streptolysin-O preparation.
- Variations in results were partly attributed to the use of unsuitable streptolysin reagents.
Conclusions:
- The established International Standard for Antistreptolysin-O provides a reliable reference for ASO testing.
- The International Unit of Antistreptolysin-O was defined as the activity in 0.0213 mg of the International Standard.
- Standardization enhances the accuracy and comparability of ASO measurements worldwide, aiding in the diagnosis and management of streptococcal infections.
