[Current role of ELISA methods in bacteriology and virology]

The use of fixed-phase immuno-enzymatic methods (ELISA) is becoming more widespread. In theory, these methods appear to be attractive because of their adaptability to various clinical situations. However, in practice problems remain to be solved. The detection of serum antibodies would seem to be easier, with the exception of tests for IgM, which are interfered with by rheumatoid factor. The detection of viral or bacterial antigens in pathological material would seem to be more difficult to achieve, but holds great promise for the future. Improvements have already been made, but progress remains to be made in the technique and in the clinical interpretation of the results.