Development of a comparative dot ELISA for the detection of antibodies in blastomycosis

We present a preliminary study utilizing an enzyme immunoassay for the detection of antibodies in blastomycosis using nitrocellulose membrane as the solid support. The comparative dot enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (CDE) utilizing Blastomyces dermatitidis, Histoplasma capsulatum, and Coccidioides immitis antigens allows rapid screening of specimens and determination of a serum profile with respect to anti-Blastomyces antibodies. Sensitivity (76% or greater) and specificity (approximately 12% crossreactivity) determinations indicated that this visual assay may be an alternative antibody detection method for blastomycosis or other systemic fungal diseases.