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Updated: Apr 23, 2026

An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition HI Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers
Published on: December 1, 2017
Improved specificity and reduced subtype cross-reactivity for antibody detection by ELISA using globular head domain
Zhu-Nan Li1, Paul J Carney1, Seh-Ching Lin2
1Influenza Division, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA 30333, USA.
Abstract:
The relative performance of ELISA using globular head domain (GH) and ectodomain hemagglutinins (HAs) as antigens to detect influenza A virus IgG antibody responses was assessed. Assay sensitivity and subtype cross-reactivity were evaluated using sera collected from recipients of monovalent H5N1 vaccine and A(H1N1)pdm09 virus-infected persons. Assay specificity was determined using collections of sera from either individuals unexposed to either H5N1 or A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses or exposed to H5N1 or A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses through vaccination or infection, respectively. ELISA using GH HA showed a similar degree of sensitivity, significantly higher specificity, and significantly lower subtype cross-reactivity compared to ELISA using ectodomain HA.

