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Single and multiple acid extract antigens in Campylobacter serology
1Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Acta Pathologica, Microbiologica, Et Immunologica Scandinavica. Section B, Microbiology
|October 1, 1987
Summary
This study evaluated enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for detecting Campylobacter antibodies. A single antigen showed 78% sensitivity, while a multiple antigen approach improved sensitivity to 80% for diagnosing Campylobacter infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical microbiology
- Immunology
- Diagnostic assay development
Background:
- Campylobacter infections are a significant cause of gastroenteritis worldwide.
- Accurate serological diagnostic tools are crucial for identifying Campylobacter infections.
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) offers a potential method for detecting Campylobacter-specific antibodies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of EIA using single and multiple acid extract antigens for detecting Campylobacter antibodies.
- To assess the diagnostic performance of serological testing in patients with confirmed Campylobacter infections.
Main Methods:
- Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was used to test for immunoglobulin A (IgA), IgM, and IgG antibody titers in 442 patients with positive Campylobacter isolations.
- A single acid extract antigen from *C. jejuni* and a multiple acid extract antigen from multiple *C. jejuni/coli* and *C. fetus subsp. fetus* strains were utilized.
- Antibody titers were analyzed, and paired sera were examined for significant titer changes. Specificity was determined using sera from 200 healthy blood donors.
Main Results:
- Out of 442 patients, 330 showed elevated titers to the single antigen, yielding a sensitivity of 78%.
- Sixteen patients had significant antibody titer changes in paired sera.
- An additional nine patients responded to the multiple antigen extract, increasing overall sensitivity to 80%.
- The specificity of the test was determined to be 99%.
Conclusions:
- EIA using a single acid extract antigen demonstrates good specificity but moderate sensitivity for detecting Campylobacter infections.
- Employing a multiple acid extract antigen enhances the sensitivity of EIA, improving diagnostic capabilities for Campylobacter infections.
- Serological testing with optimized antigen preparations can be a valuable adjunct in the diagnosis of Campylobacter infections.