A simple, rapid enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for evaluating immunoglobin G antibody avidity in toxoplasmosis

Diagn Microbiol Infect Dis. 1998 Jan;30(1):25-30. doi: 10.1016/s0732-8893(97)00194-6.

Abstract

This article describes an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for evaluating the avidity of Toxoplasma-specific immunoglobin (Ig) G. The test was standardized with the Falcon assay screening test (F.A.S.T) ELISA system using 6 M urea in phosphate-buffered saline for dissociating low-avidity antibodies after the antigen-antibody interaction. The avidity indices for 25 serum samples from patients with a recent Toxoplasma infection ranged from 10 to 40% (mean index = 25.3%), whereas for sera from 25 subjects with preexisting Toxoplasma immunity, the indices ranged from 58 to 94% (mean index = 73.1%). In sequential serum samples obtained over a period of up to 15 months from three patients exhibiting a persistent IgM antibody response to T. gondii, the avidity indices gradually increased during the course of infection. Avidity indices compatible with a recent infection were found in serum samples taken during the first 3 months after the onset of toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy, whereas indices compatible with the presence of a long-term infection were found in serum samples taken 7 or more months after the onset of toxoplasmic lymphadenopathy. The simplicity and short assay time (less than 1 h) make the test a potentially useful tool in assessing the avidity of Toxoplasma-specific IgG.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibodies, Protozoan / immunology
  • Antibody Affinity*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic
  • Sensitivity and Specificity
  • Toxoplasma / immunology*
  • Toxoplasmosis / diagnosis*
  • Toxoplasmosis / immunology
  • Toxoplasmosis / parasitology

Substances

  • Antibodies, Protozoan
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Reagent Kits, Diagnostic