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The respective advantages of complement fixation and ELISA for routine diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection
Abstract:
The results of CF and ELISA tests for cytomegalovirus performed on 270 sera of hospitalized patients show a positive correlation. As a general rule, ELISA is more sensitive than CF, except for a few sera collected from patients with immunological disorders. When two sequential sera are available, the CF remains a reliable and inexpensive method. But when only one serum can be obtained, the probability of an active CMV infection can be estimated on the IgM/IgG ratio. In 26% of the patients, this ratio was greater than or equal to 1. The ELISA is twice as expensive as the CF test. To reduce its cost, a simple method for preparing ELISA antigen from commercially-obtained CF antigens is described.
Insights
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing using complement fixation (CF) and ELISA show positive correlation. ELISA is generally more sensitive, but CF is reliable for sequential samples; IgM/IgG ratio aids single-sample diagnosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical diagnostics
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common pathogen requiring accurate diagnostic methods.
- Complement fixation (CF) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) are serological tests for CMV infection.
- Evaluating the comparative performance and cost-effectiveness of these diagnostic methods is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic performance of CF and ELISA for cytomegalovirus detection.
- To assess the utility of the IgM/IgG ratio in single serum samples for diagnosing active CMV infection.
- To describe a cost-saving method for preparing ELISA antigens.
Main Methods:
- Performed CF and ELISA tests on 270 serum samples from hospitalized patients.
- Analyzed the correlation between CF and ELISA results.
- Calculated the IgM/IgG ratio for samples where only one serum was available.
- Described a method for preparing ELISA antigen from CF antigen.
Main Results:
- A positive correlation was observed between CF and ELISA test results for CMV.
- ELISA demonstrated higher sensitivity than CF, with exceptions in patients with immunological disorders.
- The IgM/IgG ratio (≥1 in 26% of patients) was useful for estimating active CMV infection from single serum samples.
- CF is a reliable and inexpensive method when sequential sera are available.
Conclusions:
- Both CF and ELISA are valuable for CMV diagnosis, with ELISA offering higher sensitivity.
- The IgM/IgG ratio provides a valuable diagnostic indicator when only a single serum sample is obtainable.
- A cost-effective method for ELISA antigen preparation was developed, making ELISA more accessible.