Development of a batch-processed, passive latex agglutination test for cytomegalovirus

BACKGROUND: The passive latex agglutination test is commonly used for the identification of cytomegalovirus IgG and IgM antibodies. This test is used because of its sensitivity, specificity, speed, and ease of performance, but it is unsuitable for large numbers of samples or for batch processing. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: To solve this problem, comparative studies to assess the cytomegalovirus passive latex agglutination test on microtiter plates were done with a new photometric particle agglutination method (PPAM) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay as a control. RESULTS: A total of 3430 sera were tested using both the PPAM and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A high degree (97.6%) of correspondence between the results of the tests was observed. The new PPAM was easier and faster to use (96 wells in 25 min). CONCLUSION: These results, as well as the possibility of adapting this method to a fully automated system, suggest that the PPAM could be an important contribution to the field of infection serology.