Reduction of nonspecific background staining in the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test.
The nonspecific background fluorescence which occurs with the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test for syphilis was found to result from a reaction between serum-treated Treponema pallidum organisms and the conjugated antihuman gamma-globulin. It was also shown that beta-lipoprotein and albumin were the important contributing factors in human serum. Various dilutions of 2.5% trypsin in phosphate-buffered saline specifically reduced background fluorescence under proper test conditions. By employing a trypsin digestion method, a semiautomated procedure utilizing a visual readout has been postulated as feasible.
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000941:Antigens; D001331:Automation; D005453:Fluorescence; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D008722:Methods; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013588:Syphilis Serodiagnosis; D014210:Treponema pallidum / Q000276:immunology
D000888:Antibodies, Anti-Idiotypic; D000941:Antigens