The use of monoclonal antibodies to demonstrate Listeria monocytogenes in post mortem tissue using a direct immunofluorescence technique, and to detect a soluble antigen in CSF supernatants using an ELISA.
A direct immunofluorescence technique was developed using FITC conjugates of anti-listeria antibodies (CL2 and CL17). Using this technique Listeria monocytogenes (whole cells) were observed in post mortem tissue from 3 patients where listeriosis had been proven by the isolation of the bacterium, and also from a patient where listeriosis was suspected. Using one of these monoclonal antibodies (CL2) an indirect antigen capture ELISA was developed for the detection of soluble antigen. Soluble antigen was detected in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from 27% of patients infected with L. monocytogenes serogroup 4 and 2% of patients where listeriosis was suspected. The test was 100% specific in that antigen was not detected in 270 other CSF samples tested. Antigen was only detected in CSF samples taken within 7 days after onset of illness.
McLauchlin
J
J
Division of Microbiological Reagents and Quality Control, Central Public Health Laboratory, Colindale, London, England.
Samuel
D
D
Taylor
A G
AG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008089:Listeria monocytogenes / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D008088:Listeriosis / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal