[Qualitative and quantitative comparison of three agglutination tests for detecting Toxoplasma gondii antibodies].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the diagnostic value of three agglutination tests used in three countries for detection of antibodies to Taxoplasma gondii.


METHODS
A total of 288 human serum samples were assayed using modified agglutination test (MAT-1, using selfmade antigen), latex agglutination test (LAT, using Japanese Kit) and modified agglutination test (MAT-2, using French antigen).


RESULTS
The positive rates of MAT-1 (> or = 1:20), LAT (> or = 1:32) and MAT-2 (> or = 1:20) were 9.7% (28/288), 8.9% (10/112) and 8.1% (17/210), respectively. No significant statistical difference was found among these positive rates (chi 2 = 0.392, P > 0.05). High agreements were found between MAT-1 and LAT (93.7%), LAT and MAT-2 (94.5%), and MAT-2 and MAT-1 (97.3%). Significant correlation were demonstrated in MAT-1 and LAT (r = 0.613), LAT and MAT-2 (r = 0.551), and MAT-2 and MAT-1 (r = 0.841), p < 0.001.


CONCLUSIONS
The detection efficiency of the three agglutination tests is in good agreement and could alternatively be used for the diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
Zhang
S Y
SY
Shanghai Municipal Center for Diseases Control and Prevention, Shanghai 200031.
Wei
M X
MX
D000372:Agglutination Tests / Q000379:methods*; D000818:Animals; D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014122:Toxoplasma / Q000276:immunology*; D014123:Toxoplasmosis / Q000175:diagnosis*
D000913:Antibodies, Protozoan