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A Dot-ELISA is described that lends itself to the screening of large series of sera in relation to tetanus antibodies. A threshold of 0.06 I.U. per ml has been chosen as representing the protective tetanus antibody level. Two hundred and fifty-four sera were assayed by conventional ELISA, passive hemagglutination test and Dot-ELISA. The results obtained using concurrently these 3 techniques were in agreement with one another and permitted us to ascribe the same sera as tested by the various techniques to the same group of sera containing a non protective antitetanus antibody level and to the same group of sera-containing a protective level. It is suggested that Dot-ELISA should be used for the assessment of the tetanus immune status of populations.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using nitrocellulose strips (dot-ELISA) for the routine laboratory detection of IgG antibodies to mumps and varicella viruses is described. The virus antigens are dotted onto nitrocellulose strips, and the dotted strips are incubated with the sera to be tested. The bound antibodies are revealed using enzyme-labeled antihuman IgG antibodies. Reliable results are obtained when the assay is carried out at 37 degrees C. The reported data indicate that the dot-ELISA can reliably be used for the detection of IgG antibodies to mumps and varicella viruses in human sera.

A procedure for the routine and simultaneous laboratory detection of IgG antibodies produced in humans in the course of various infectious diseases is described. The procedure, based on dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), used single nitrocellulose strips onto which several antigens were dotted in close proximity. Optimal conditions were specified that allowed the unequivocal and simultaneous detection of IgG antibodies specifically directed against Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex virus type 1 and type 2 antigens. This technique has proved to be simultaneously specific, sensitive, and reliable, and it has been applied to prenatal screening of sera from pregnant women. It is suggested that this technique should also be used for the screening of large numbers of sera under field trial conditions.

We describe a Dot-ELISA system for the rapid, specific and reliable assessment of a subject's antitetanus immune status. The conditions for Dot-ELISA were selected to give positive reactions only for sera with antitetanus antibody titers equal to or higher than 0.06 I.U./ml, considered to represent protection when using "in vitro" methods. This Dot-ELISA method could advantageously be applied to the monitoring of vaccination campaigns, as well as for assessing the antitetanus immune status of the wounded.

A micro plate Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), developed for detection of antibodies to Streptokinase, was used to analyze 80 human sera. The aim was to provide a simple method for antibody screening that required neither sophisticated equipment nor a high degree of technological skill. Preliminary results show that ELISA is specific, reproducible and sensitive. Comparative evaluation of the ELISA and the coagulum lysis test for antibodies against streptokinase show excellent correlation. We also evaluated the anti-Streptolysin O titer either by conventional method or ELISA. The sensitivity of ELISA for detecting anti-Streptolysin O antibodies was 3-4-fold higher than that of the hemolytic test. The sensitivity of ELISA for detecting anti-streptokinase antibodies was 10-20-fold higher than that of the coagulum lysis. The Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay seems to offer some advantages over the more commonly used coagulum lysis test as far as sensitivity is concerned and potentially it is suggested that this method could be usefully employed clinically in human streptococcal infections.

A new ELISA test using the purified Listeria monocytogenes-derived antigen LM 84 Ag is described together with its application in the diagnosis of listeriosis. Fifty-seven human sera were titrated by the ELISA and the complement fixation method and compared for specificity and sensitivity. The problem of possible cross-reactions with other antigens is discussed.