Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for hepatitis B e antigen and antibody

Horseradish peroxidase has been conjugated with human immunoglobulin containing antibody to hepatitis B e antigen (anti-HBe). This was used in a solid-phase 'sandwich' enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay designed for reading by eye, to test sera for HBeAg and anti-HBe. Optimum conditions for preparing the conjugate and for performing the test are described. Results of testing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive sera were compared with those obtained using a sensitive solid-phase radioimmunoassay. The enzyme assay provided a simple and sensitive method of testing for HBeAg and anti-HBe, and correlated well with the radioimmunoassay.