Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for mumps virus antibodies

An ELISA for the detection of mumps virus-specific IgG and IgM antibodies was developed. Three different antigen preparations were compared. Equally good results were obtained with virus concentrated by ultracentrifugation and with virus that was further purified by sucrose gradient centrifugation. Crude infected allantoic fluid was unsuitable for use an antigen. The variability and reproducibility of the tests were satisfactory. When the ELISA was compared to conventional serological methods, a good correlation of IgG absorbance values with complement fixation (CF) antibody titers was found (r = 0.574), the ELISA being more sensitive in detecting antibodies in acute-phase sera. For the determination of immunity, ELISA IgG values were compared with results obtained in hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) and hemolysis-in-gel (HIG) tests. Again there was a good correlation with both tests (rHI = 0.528, rHIG = 0.667). The ELISA was more sensitive than the HI and HIG test for the detection of low levels of antibodies.