Enzyme immunoassay detection of antibodies in North American blastomycosis: comparison of three Blastomyces dermatitidis antigens
Wheeler, J.W.; Owens, R.D.; Scalarone, G.M.
Mycoses 31(9): 459-465
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0933-7407 PMID: 3200261 Document Number: 311244
Three Blastomyces dermatitidis commercial immunodiffusion antigens, Meridian Diagnostics, Nolan/Scott Laboratories and American Microsan, were utilized in an enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) for the detection of antibodies in blastomycosis. Thirty two serum specimens from patients with blastomycosis were assayed by the indirect ELISA using the alkaline phosphatase enzyme system. Greater reactivity, based on the ELISA index value, was evidenced with the Meridian Diagnostics antigen; the other two antigens exhibited lower but comparable reactivity. Specificity was determined by performing cross-reactivity assays on sera from patients with histoplasmosis or on specimens from individuals that were Histoplasma capsulatum skin test positive. Comparable specificity results were obtained with all three antigens.