Evaluation of a commercial measles virus immunoglobulin M enzyme immunoassay

J Clin Microbiol. 1991 Dec;29(12):2865-7. doi: 10.1128/jcm.29.12.2865-2867.1991.

Abstract

Paired serum samples from 93 patients suspected of having measles were assayed for measles virus-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies by an enzyme immunoassay (EIA), and the results were compared with results from a complement fixation assay and an EIA for measles virus IgG. By using significant serologic rises as the standard for comparison, the IgM EIA assay had a sensitivity of 85.7%, a specificity of 81.3%, a positive predictive value of 95.7%, and a negative predictive value of 54.2%. This assay can be expected to perform well in outbreak situations.

MeSH terms

  • Complement Fixation Tests
  • False Negative Reactions
  • False Positive Reactions
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoenzyme Techniques* / standards
  • Immunoglobulin G / blood
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood*
  • Male
  • Measles / diagnosis*
  • Measles virus / immunology*
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic / standards
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic