title: A comparison of methods for the detection of Candida antigens. Evaluation of a new latex reagent.
abstract: The sensitivity of various serological techniques for the detection of C. albicans cytoplasmic antigen (Ag) in buffer and serum diluents was compared, with special reference to variations of the ELISA method and a new microtitre latex particle agglutination (MLA) test. Of the assays evaluated, immunodiffusion, counterimmunoelectrophoresis and slide latex particle agglutination (SLA) were the least sensitive. ELISA tests were more sensitive (50-150 ng/ml Ag in buffer) although sensitivity decreased in serum or heat-inactivated serum (HIS) (250 ng/ml-4 micrograms/ml). The new MLA test had better sensitivity (16 ng/ml Ag in buffer) than any of the ELISA tests and was unaffected by the presence of serum or HIS (2.5 and 20 ng/ml Ag respectively). MLA seems worthy of further evaluation as an alternative to ELISA for use in antigen detection systems in general and for the serodiagnosis of systemic candidosis in particular.
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000946:Antigens, Fungal / Q000032:analysis*; D002176:Candida albicans / Q000276:immunology*; D003378:Counterimmunoelectrophoresis; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D005779:Immunodiffusion; D007123:Immunoelectrophoresis, Two-Dimensional; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D007841:Latex Fixation Tests / Q000379:methods*; D008623:Mercaptoethanol; D011817:Rabbits
chemical_list: D000946:Antigens, Fungal; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D008623:Mercaptoethanol