Standardized quantitative enzyme-linked immunoassay for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii

Abstract

A quantitative and standardized enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is described which uses lyophilized antigen-coated disks for the detection of human antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii. It does not require serial dilution of the test specimen, and the objective absorbance readings are converted into international units per milliliter traceable to the World Health Organization's reference standard preparation of toxoplasma antibodies. It was shown to be highly specific, reproducible, and sensitive. The reagents were stable, without biohazard, and ready for use. Studies of various parameters in the assay indicated that the test conditions were relatively flexible. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results correlated satisfactorily with the methylene blue dye test, the indirect immunofluorescence test, and the passive hemagglutination test.