Flow-Through Assay for Detection of Antibodies Using Protein-A Colloidal Gold Conjugate as a Probe

Flow-through assay (FTA) is a rapid, simple-to-perform, cost-effective, and user-friendly diagnostic test for monitoring infections in non-laboratory settings. It is mostly applied for antibody detection. FTA employing protein-A colloidal gold conjugate to detect antibodies against porcine cysticerci using cyst fluid and whole cyst antigens of Taenia solium metacestode is described here. Antibodies in the serum are captured by an antigen spotted onto a nitrocellulose membrane mounted on a flow-through device that serves as the antigen capture matrix. The bound antibodies are visualized by the addition of protein-A colloidal gold conjugate, which imparts a pink color. The test can be completed within 3 min at room temperature without any instrumentation. The sensitivity and specificity of the FTA are in agreement with ELISA.