A microtestplate-immunofluorescence assay for anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies

A new microassay method for the detection of anti-Trypanosoma (T.) antibodies was developed by using Terasaki's microtestplates, and T. cruzi or other parasites were immunofluorescently labeled with polyclonal or monoclonal anti-T. cruzi antibodies. The fluorescence intensity of immunofluorescently stained parasites was assessed by either visual observation or quantitative analysis using a microscopic spectrophotometer. Although the sensitivity of the microtestplate assay was nearly equal to that of the conventional glass slide assay or ELISA, this method is easier in the assay procedures and spares the amount of antibodies and the number of target parasites requisite to the assay.