Serum antibody response to filamentous hemagglutinin in patients with clinical pertussis measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Titers of antibodies to filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA) were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in acute and convalescent phase serum samples from 158 patients with clinical symptoms typical of whooping-cough. In 96 of the patients the diagnosis was verified by culture. Significant changes in serum levels of IgG, IgM and/or IgA antibodies against FHA were demonstrated in 126 patients (80%). Thus, demonstration of significant changes in FHA antibody titers in serum can be used for serological diagnosis of pertussis. The results also show that high levels of IgG, IgM and/or IgA antibodies in a single serum sample suggest current pertussis infection, but if the diagnosis is based on determinations of FHA antibody titers in a single serum sample the sensitivity is low. The levels of antibody to FHA were compared with previously determined levels of antibodies to pertussis toxin. A significant antibody response against both FHA and pertussis toxin was seen in 111 patients (70%) while 147 patients (93%) developed a significant increase in antibodies against one or both antigens.
Zackrisson
G
G
Department of Clinical Bacteriology, University of Göteborg, Sweden.
Arminjon
F
F
Krantz
I
I
Lagergård
T
T
Sigurs
N
N
Taranger
J
J
Trollfors
B
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006388:Hemagglutinins / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000032:analysis; D007223:Infant; D037342:Pertussis Toxin; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella / Q000276:immunology; D014917:Whooping Cough / Q000276:immunology*
D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D006388:Hemagglutinins; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D010566:Virulence Factors, Bordetella; D037342:Pertussis Toxin