Detection of L-forms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pure and mixed culture suspensions by an enzyme immunoassay.
An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Gonozyme, Abbott Laboratories, Chicago, IL) was evaluated for its ability to detect L-forms of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in pure and mixed culture suspensions. A total of 15 L-form strains that were induced from fresh clinical isolates of N. gonorrhoeae on an L-form medium were tested by EIA at antigen levels equivalent to those found in 2 X 10(5), 3 X 10(4), and 2 X 10(3) parental cells per milliliter. The results showed the sensitivity of the EIA for L-forms and parental cells to be the same, exhibiting positive results in all pure culture suspensions of parental cells at 2 X 10(5) and 3 X 10(4) cells per milliliter and their corresponding L-form preparations. At 2 X 10(3) cells per milliliter, three parental and two of their respective L-form preparations yielded positive EIA results. Incorporation of a mixture of heterologous organisms that can be found in the normal human genital flora, each at a concentration of 1 X 10(7) cells per milliliter into the L-form preparations, did not affect the sensitivity of the EIA for detection of L-forms. The results of the present study indicate that the EIA is an equally sensitive method for detecting gonococcal L-forms and parental cells. A further study, however, is needed to ascertain its usefulness under actual clinical conditions.
D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D009344:Neisseria gonorrhoeae / Q000302:isolation & purification*