title: Detection of Mycoplasma hominis antigen in clinical specimens by using a four-layer modification of enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
abstract: A 4-layer modification of enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed for the detection of Mycoplasma hominis antigen in clinical specimens. Microtiter plates were sensitized with rabbit anti-mycoplasma immunoglobulin, guinea pig anti-mycoplasma immunoglobulin was used as the secondary antibody, and horseradish peroxidase-conjugated anti-guinea pig immunoglobulin was used as the indicator antibody. The specificity of the assay was confirmed by using guinea pig immunoglobulins from preimmunization sera. The sensitivity of the assay is down to 10 ng/ml of antigen protein. Marked cross-reactivity was demonstrated for different strains within the species M. hominis, whereas the other genital mycoplasma species tested showed no reactivity in the assay. A comparison was made of EIA and conventional culture of vaginal specimens from 24 women. All 6 specimens positive by culture were also positive for M. hominis antigen by EIA. Antigen detection by EIA is a sensitive, rapid and simple method for the detection of M. hominis in clinical specimens.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000592:standards; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis* / Q000276:immunology; D003429:Cross Reactions; D005260:Female; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques / Q000592:standards; D009174:Mycoplasma / Q000254:growth & development / Q000276:immunology*; D009175:Mycoplasma Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D011817:Rabbits; D014509:Ureaplasma / Q000276:immunology; D014623:Vaginal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial