Enzyme immunoassays for detection of malarial antigens in human plasmas by Plasmodium falciparum monoclonal antibodies

Abstract

The screening of blood donors for the detection of dangerous disease carriers is a mandatory requirement for blood transfusion centers. Enzyme immunoassay (EIA) is a suitable method for the examination of large populations. We describe a sandwich EIA allowing the detection of soluble malarial antigens in plasma using 11 mouse monoclonal antibodies. Among the 121 combinations tested, 2 were selected for their sensitivity and specificity. Both were applied to plasmas of (a) acute patients, (b) people living in malarious areas, (c) blood donors at risk (travelers), and (d) sedentary blood donors without risk. With 1 of the 2 combinations, the percentage of positive answers was 68.4% (n = 38) for a, 62.6% (n = 206) for b, 4.5% (n = 398) for c, and 0.8% (n = 485) for d; with the other combination, the percentage of positive answers was 68.4% for a, 46.1% for b, 1.5% for c, and 0% for d. Using 2 combinations simultaneously, the positive results were 94.7% for a, 70.4% for b, 5% for c, and 0.8% for d. The 2 assays are complementary and the pair can be used for maximum Plasmodium falciparum antigen recognition in prospective donors.