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Antibody assay for adenoviruses and mycoplasma pneumoniae by the platelet aggregation test
Abstract:
The practicability of the platelet aggregation test (PAT) in routine antibody assays for adenoviruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae is demonstrated. An increase in reliability and sensitivity was achieved by employment of EDTA for washing the platelet and by addition of albumin to the test medium. Various lots of platelets yielded reproducible PAT titres which attained 1 : 156,250 in positive patient's sera. Commercially available antigens assigned for complement-fixation (CF) tests proved to be appropriate for the PAT. Checkerboard titrations revealed that the platelet reactivity of immune complexes formed was maintained in a range of up to 625-fold alterations of the antibody: antigen ratio. The fact that PAT and CF titres did not always correlate is interpreted as being due to the differences between complement-fixing and platelet reactivities of various immunoglobulin classes.
Insights
The platelet aggregation test (PAT) is a practical method for detecting antibodies against adenoviruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Enhancements in reliability and sensitivity were achieved, making PAT a valuable diagnostic tool.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibody assays are crucial for diagnosing viral and bacterial infections.
- Traditional methods like complement fixation (CF) have limitations.
- Developing sensitive and reliable diagnostic tests is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the practicability of the platelet aggregation test (PAT) for detecting antibodies against adenoviruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- To enhance the reliability and sensitivity of the PAT.
- To evaluate the suitability of commercially available antigens for PAT.
Main Methods:
- Utilized EDTA for platelet washing and albumin in the test medium to improve PAT performance.
- Employed checkerboard titrations to assess immune complex reactivity.
- Compared PAT titres with complement fixation (CF) test results.
Main Results:
- Reproducible PAT titres up to 1:156,250 were achieved with patient sera.
- Commercially available antigens for CF tests were suitable for PAT.
- Platelet reactivity remained stable across a wide range of antibody:antigen ratios (up to 625-fold).
Conclusions:
- The platelet aggregation test (PAT) is a practical and sensitive method for antibody detection against adenoviruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
- Optimized PAT protocols enhance reliability and sensitivity.
- Discrepancies between PAT and CF titres may be attributed to differences in immunoglobulin class reactivities.