A trial application of the latex test for evaluation of antibody level in rabbit immune sera]

A latex test was elaborated which served for evaluation of quality of rabbit immune sera for antigen 0 of selected Gram-negative bacteria. Sensitivity and specificity of this test in comparison with passive hemagglutination and immunoenzymatic DOT-ELISA reactions was evaluated. These studies were performed on immune sera for antigen O of Salmonella groups B, C1, C2, D and E, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and in antigen preparations for above listed microorganisms both in homologous and heterologous systems. It was found that sensitivity of the latex test is 9 to 160 times lower than that of passive hemagglutination and 7 to 307 lower than for DOT-ELISA. Sensitivity of the latex test and passive hemagglutination reaction was evaluated on the basis of results of cross reaction between studied antigens and unabsorbed rabbit sera, establishing so called sensitivity indexes, which were informing how many times heterologous titer is lower than homologous titer. So evaluated sensitivity of the latex test was close to sensitivity of the passive hemagglutination reaction. It was found that slide latex test is characterized by satisfactory sensitivity and good sensitiveness and may be used for evaluation of antibody level 0 antigens of Salmonella and Yersinia. The value of this test is characterized by high repeatability of results, as well as low work and time-consuming.     

Commercially available histoplasmin sensitized latex particles in an agglutination test for histoplasmosis

Summary A commercial preparation of histoplasmin sensitized latex particles was tested in an agglutination test with sera from 50 culturally confirmed cases of histoplasmosis in varying stages of the infection. The reactions were superior to those obtained with collodion agglutination and complement fixation tests in which the antigen histoplasmin was also used. The latex agglutination test with the commercially available antigen is easy to do, and can be done in any laboratory equipped to carry out agglutination tests with the common bacterial antigens. It warrants more extensive trial in the general hospital laboratory as a screening test for histoplasmosis, especially the primary, pulmonary type.     

Heterophile infectious mononucleosis antigen used in the latex diagnostic test. I. A method of antigen isolation and its serologic activity

The aim of this study was to elaborate a method of heterophile mononucleosis antigen preparation useful for latex coating. This antigen was isolated from bovine red blood cells stroma by the technique of Schwarzweiss and Tomcsik with author's own modification, in which introductory extraction of erythrocytes stroma ++ was performed by means of trichloracetic acid, aqueous extraction and elution of active substance with 80% ethanol. Besides of heterophile antigen preparation obtained by the method of Schwerzweiss and Tomcsik (preparation S-T) two serologically++ active preparations were obtained (fraction I and IV), which ability to inhibit PBD agglutinating reaction and bovine red blood cells haemolysis was 16 and 8 times lower, respectively, than S-T preparation. The preparation of heterophile mononucleosis antigen obtained differed in latex coating efficacy. In order to prepare latex reagent MZ-I (from fraction I) a solution of preparation of 125 micrograms/ml concentration was used, for MZ-II (from fraction IV)--50 micrograms and for MZ-III (from preparation S-T)--15 micrograms/ml. The reagent MZ-I showed, the highest activity in agglutinating test with human serum containing heterophile mononucleosis antibodies while two others reacted with 2-4 times lover serum dilutions. Similar differentiated reactivity with these reagents was found in latex test with 15 sera from patients suspected of having infectious mononucleosis.     

Evidence for Interference by Immune Complexes in the Serodiagnosis of Cryptococcosis

The latex agglutination test was used to compare cryptococcal antigen titers before and after protease treatment in 19 patients with pulmonary cryptococcosis. Antigen was detected by the LA test in 13 of 33 serum samples before protease treatment, and in an additional 13 samples following treatment. Of 26 antigen-positive serum samples, 22 (84.6%) showed an increased antigen titer after protease treatment. Using the cell slide agglutination test, antibody was detected in 3 of 19 cases. In one of these 3, antigen could only be detected after protease treatment. Soluble immune complex was prepared in vitro using anti-C. neoformans rabbit antiserum and polysaccharide antigen of C. neoformans, and the effects of immune complexes on the LA test were examined. In this experimental model, soluble immune complexes seemed to be observed in antibody excess region, because the antigen titers were increased after the protease treatment. We concluded that C. neoformans capsular polysaccharide antigen and anti-C. neoformans antibody formed soluble immune complexes in patients' sera, which interfered with antigen detection by the latex agglutination test without protease treatment.     

Serological investigation of Theileria sergenti using latex agglutination test in South Korea

Theileria sergenti causes persistent theileriosis in cattle, characterized by fever and chronic anemia. Theileriosis causes losses in feed efficiency and growth retardation through cycling infections in endemic areas. Among several major proteins of T. sergenti merozoites, the surface protein p33 is reported to be the most immunogenic. In this study, we investigated the use of p33 as a diagnostic antigen in a latex agglutination test to monitor antibodies against T. sergenti. When compared with TaqMan polymerase chain reaction, the sensitivity and specificity of the latex agglutination test were 86.5 and 92.5%, respectively. An epidemiological survey using the latex agglutination test was conducted with 1,046 sera collected from 4 slaughterhouses and 2 individual pasture farms throughout South Korea; 27.3% of samples were seropositive, depending on the areas in which the cattle were raised. This study indicated that the latex agglutination test could be used as a convenient tool for epidemiological monitoring of T. sergenti infections in the field.     

Use of heterophilic mononucleosis antigen in the latex diagnostic test. III. Diagnostic field studies

The aim of this study was to evaluate usefulness of latex coated with a preparation of heterophilic mononucleosis antigen for the detection of antibodies present during a course of infectious mononucleosis. Studies were performed in district serological laboratories. Sanitary-Epidemiological Stations in conditions of routine diagnostics. Studies were performed on 656 blood serum samples collected from individuals with a clinical suspicion of infectious mononucleosis. Latex and Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn (PBD) tests were run in parallel. Out of 154 blood serum samples which contained antibodies detected by PBD test in diagnostically significant titer of 1:56 or higher, 151 were reactive in latex test in the dilution 1:5 or higher, while in the remaining three cases agglutination appeared with undiluted serum only. Out of 268 serum samples tested in latex test 167 reacted in 1:5 titer - diagnostically accepted as a significant or in higher titers. The sensitivity of latex test amounted to 98.1% and specificity was 96.9% as compared to reference Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test. The results of our study suggest the possibility of replacing Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn test by latex test performed as a method providing the possibility of determination of the presence of heterohilic antibodies in blood serum samples and the follow up of their dynamics.     

Heterophilic infectious mononucleosis antigen used in the latex diagnostic test. II. Preliminary evaluation of the usefulness of latex reagents for detection of serum heterophile antibodies in patients with infectious mononucleosis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of laboratory made reagent of polystyrene latex coated with three preparations of mononucleosis antigen (reagent MZ-I, MZ-II, and MZ-III) for detection of heterophile antibodies in patients sera with clinical symptoms of infectious mononucleosis. These studies were carried out on 153 serum samples taken from persons suspected of being infected with EB virus and on 100 healthy controls--blood donors. The results of latex tests were compared to the results of Paul-Bunnell-Davidsohn (PBD) and hemolytic tests. Out of three latex reagents evaluated only one (reagent MZ-I) showed sensitivity equal to PBD and haemolytic tests. The sensitivity reached 91.1%. Agglutination reaction when appeared in latex test at serum dilution 1:5, is considered positive and diagnostically significant result.     

Latex agglutination test for diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia in children in developing countries.

OBJECTIVE--To prepare and assess the sensitivity and specificity of a latex agglutination test specific for the serotype of antigen in diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia in Gambian children. DESIGN--Comparison of agglutination test specific for serotype with culture of blood and lung aspirates, countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis, and commercial latex agglutination tests in diagnosing pneumococcal pneumonia. Cross reaction studies and investigation of 102 control children to determine specificity of agglutination test specific for serotype. SETTING--General medical ward of Medical Research Council laboratories, The Gambia. PATIENTS--101 Gambian children aged between 2 months and 10 years admitted with severe pneumonia. INTERVENTIONS--Serum samples were boiled and treated with edetic acid, and urine samples were boiled and concentrated 25 times before testing. END POINT--A latex agglutination test specific for the serotype of pneumococcal antigen that is sensitive and highly specific for detecting pneumococcus in the urine of patients with pneumococcal pneumonia. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS--Concentrated urine samples from 16 of the 21 children (76%) with pneumococcal pneumonia established by results of culture of blood or lung aspirates gave a positive result with the agglutination test specific for serotype, whereas only four of the 102 urine samples obtained from control children without pneumonia gave positive results. The serotypes of antigens detected in the urine of children with pneumococcal pneumonia and the serotypes of pneumococci isolated from cultures of blood or lung aspirates were the same in all cases. CONCLUSIONS--When performed on urine samples the agglutination test specific for serotype has a high specificity and is more sensitive than culture of blood or lung aspirates, commercial agglutination tests, or countercurrent immunoelectrophoresis in identifying pneumococcal pneumonia. It is easy to use and should be especially useful in communities with limited laboratory facilities.     

Detection of K1 antigen of Escherichia coli rods isolated from pregnant women and neonates

The K1 antigen is an important virulence determinant of Escherichia coli strains and has been shown to be associated particularly with neonatal meningitis, bacteraemia and septicaemia. Thus, its detection seems to be useful, especially in the case of E. coli strains isolated from pregnant women and newborns. In this study, the sensitivity and specificity of the latex agglutination test (Pastorex Meningitis) for identification of E. coli serogroup K1 were assessed, using PCR as the gold standard. Our results showed that consistency of results between latex agglutination test and PCR amounted to 98.5 %. Therefore, Pastorex Meningitis is a good alternative to PCR and could be used for rapid K1 antigen detection, especially in local non-specialized laboratories with limited resources where PCR assay is not applied.     

The preparation of an IgG diagnostic agent based on stained polyacrolein latexes for use in the latex agglutination reaction

IgG diagnosticum for measuring the concentration of 131I-labeled IgG antibodies to enteric antigen beta 1MA by the latex agglutination inhibition (LAI) test has been prepared on the basis of polyacrolein latexes. A method for the titration of anti-IgG antibodies with the use of the above diagnosticum has been developed, based on the late, agglutination (LA) test. The optimum conditions for the microtitration variant of the LA and LAI tests have been defined. High sensitivity, specificity and simplicity of analysis with the use of latex IgG diagnosticum have been demonstrated. The newly developed methods have been successfully used in laboratory trials of a new diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals for the assay of 131I-labeled antibodies in this preparation and for the detection of side effects of immunization on the recipients.     

Antibody-bearing liposomes improve agglutination of latex particles used in clinical diagnostic assays

Ligand-bearing liposomes are used to enhance the agglutination ‘signal’ of a typical latex assay for the detection of human rheumatoid factor. Heat-denatured IgG, the antigen to which rheumatoid factor binds naturally, was covalently attached to latex spheres. The liposomes were covalently coated with a ‘second ligand’ which also recognizes rheumatoid factor, anti-human IgM Fab′ fragments. In the present test configuration, rheumatoid factor present in a patient's serum binds to the IgG attached to the latex particles. The liposomes, in turn, bind rapidly to rheumatoid factor-sensitized latex, via the second ligand, promoting the formation of large, clearly visible latex aggregates. When latex spheres bearing the same type and density of second ligand were used to replace the liposomes they failed to improve agglutination, suggesting that multivalent presentation of the second ligand is not sufficient to insure the improvement. These results suggest that fluidity of the liposomal membrane is a requirement for the effect. Sensitivity as well as ‘readability’ are improved by the liposomes while specificity remains unaffected. The principle of using ligand-bearing liposomes to enhance particle agglutination is applicable to a wide range of other diagnostic assays.     

Mycoplasma-latex agglutination reaction

Morton, Harry E. (University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia). Mycoplasma-latex agglutination reaction. J. Bacteriol. 92:1196-1205. 1966.-The building up of Mycoplasma cell mass through adsorption to carrier particles as a method for enhancing the agglutination reaction to identify Mycoplasma is described. Mycoplasma cells of human, avian, swine, goat, sewage, and tissue-culture origin were adsorbed to latex particles (0.81 mu) and then were agglutinated by immune sera. The adsorption was demonstrated by electron microscopy. Either the cells or their antibodies, depending on which came into contact with the latex particles first, were adsorbed. The test, completed in less than 2 hr, consisted of serially diluting immune sera with buffered saline, adding the antigen, incubating in a water bath, centrifuging, and reading the reaction under 50 x microscope magnification. The antigen in each reaction tube, representing the growth from about 1.6 ml of culture, was estimated to contain 23 mug of protein (approximately one-tenth the amount of Mycoplasma cells needed for a direct agglutination reaction). In the sera from rabbits undergoing immunization with Mycoplasma antigens, the presence of anti-Mycoplasma antibodies was detected much sooner in the Mycoplasma-latex agglutination reaction test than in the agar-gel diffusion reaction and the growth inhibition tests. Four different lots of latex particles showed excellent uniformity of behavior and stability during storage and testing.     

Rheumatoid Arthritis,Rheumatoid Factor,and Tests for Australia or Hepatitis-associated Antigen

False-positive results in tests for hepatitis-associated antigen using latex agglutination techniques may be due to rheumatoid factor in the serum. Possibly the use of IgM antibody in preparing the latex particles might diminish the occurrence of such reactions. No evidence was found for a relation between rheumatoid arthritis and a significant incidence of hepatitis-associated antigen detectable by countercurrent immunoelectro-osmophoresis.     

Hemagglutination by pilus antigen 987P of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli

The hemagglutination (HA) by pilus antigen 987P of an enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli strain 987 was examined using fresh and glutaraldehyde (GA)-fixed erythrocytes (RBC) of various animals. Only when GA-fixed RBC was employed, a strain 987 exhibited striking HA activities. This was also demonstrated by using latex heads sensitized with the 987P antigen. The 987P-specific antiserum inhibited HA of strain 987 and 987P sensitized latex beads against GA-fixed RBC. We concluded that HA of strain 987 against GA-fixed RBC was specifically associated with the presence of 987P pilus antigen but do not exclude a possibility that adhesin is distinct from pili antigen.     

Detection of HBs antigen with latex particles coated with human antibody prepared by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-sepharose.

Human HBs antibody was isolated by affinity chromatography on HBs antigen absorbed to concanavalin A linked to Sepharose 4B. When a human anti-HBs immunoglobulin preparation obtained by Cohn's cold ethanol fractionation method was used as a starting material, the antibody was concentrated about 10 times in terms of the passive hemagglutination titer with a recovery rate higher than 50%. Latex particles coated with human anti-HBs antibody thus prepared were proved to be useful in detecting HBs antigen in human blood samples. In its sensitivity and in rapidity of its performance, the antibody-coated latex agglutination test seems to be superior to conventional immunodiffusion techniques.     

Definition of fibronectin-mediated uptake of gelatinized latex by liver slices and macrophages

These studies show that both liver slices and macrophages carried out fibronectin concentration-dependent uptake of 125I-labeled gelatin-coated latex (test latex). Lack of phagocytosis of test latex by liver slices was shown directly by electron microscopy and indirectly by trypsin treatment, which caused the release of all test latex taken up in response to fibronectin. Inhibitors of phagocytosis did not alter this uptake. On the other hand, trypsin released only a portion of test latex from macrophages. Inhibitors of phagocytosis did not effect the released radioactive particles from macrophages but greatly reduced the trypsin-resistant radioactivity, taken as representing phagocytized particles. Opsonization of test latex with fibronectin did not require heparin but its association with liver slices occurred only in the presence of heparin. Macrophages, however, readily bound and internalized the opsonized test latex and heparin only potentiated these reactions. Gelatin competed with test latex for fibronectin for opsonization, but did not inhibit binding and phagocytosis of fibronectin-test latex complexes. Finally, soluble fibronectin-gelatin complexes did not compete for binding and phagocytosis of fibronectin-test latex complexes. Thus, fibronectin concentrated on the surface of latex is preferred for interaction with the fibronectin receptor of macrophages. Gelatin, however, was not essential for this reaction, because fibronectin directly coupled to latex was also readily taken up.     

Definition of fibronectin-mediated uptake of gelatinized latex by liver slices and macrophages

These studies show that both liver slices and macrophages carried out fibronectin concentration-dependent uptake of ¹²⁵I-labeled gelatin-coated latex (test latex). Lack of phagocytosis of test latex by liver slices was shown directly by electron microscopy and indirectly by trypsin treatment, which caused the release of all test latex taken up in response to fibronectin. Inhibitors of phagocytosis did not alter this uptake. On the other hand, trypsin released only a portion of test latex from macrophages. Inhibitors of phagocytosis did not effect the released radioactive particles from macrophages but greatly reduced the trypsin-resistant radioactivity, taken as representing phagocytized particles. Opsonization of test latex with fibronectin did not require heparin but its association with liver slices occurred only in the presence of heparin. Macrophages, however, readily bound and internalized the opsonized test latex and heparin only potentiated these reactions. Gelatin competed with test latex for fibronectin for opsonization, but did not inhibit binding and phagocytosis of fibronectin-test latex complexes. Finally, soluble fibronectin-gelatin complexes did not compete for binding and phagocytosis of fibronectin-test latex complexes. Thus, fibronectin concentrated on the surface of latex is preferred for interaction with the fibronection receptor of macrophages. Gelatin, however, was not essential for this reaction, because fibronectin directly coupled to latex was also readily taken up.     

Immunodiagnosis of Paracoccidioidomycosis due to Paracoccidioides brasiliensis Using a Latex Test: Detection of Specific Antibody Anti-gp43 and Specific Antigen gp43

Background

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a life-threatening systemic disease and is a neglected public health problem in many endemic regions of Latin America. Though several diagnostic methods are available, almost all of them present with some limitations.

Method/Principle Findings

A latex immunoassay using sensitized latex particles (SLPs) with gp43 antigen, the immunodominant antigen of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, or the monoclonal antibody mAb17c (anti-gp43) was evaluated for antibody or antigen detection in sera, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) from patients with PCM due to P. brasiliensis. The gp43-SLPs performed optimally to detect specific antibodies with high levels of sensitivity (98.46%, 95% CI 91.7–100.0), specificity (93.94%, 95% CI 87.3–97.7), and positive (91.4%) and negative (98.9%) predictive values. In addition, we propose the use of mAb17c-SLPs to detect circulating gp43, which would be particularly important in patients with immune deficiencies who fail to produce normal levels of immunoglobulins, achieving good levels of sensitivity (96.92%, 95% CI 89.3–99.6), specificity (88.89%, 95% CI 81.0–94.3), and positive (85.1%) and negative (97.8%) predictive values. Very good agreement between latex tests and double immune diffusion was observed for gp43-SLPs (k = 0.924) and mAb17c-SLPs (k = 0.850), which reinforces the usefulness of our tests for the rapid diagnosis of PCM in less than 10 minutes. Minor cross-reactivity occurred with sera from patients with other fungal infections. We successfully detected antigens and antibodies from CSF and BAL samples. In addition, the latex test was useful for monitoring PCM patients receiving therapy.

Conclusions/Significance

The high diagnostic accuracy, low cost, reduced assay time, and simplicity of this new latex test offer the potential to be commercialized and makes it an attractive diagnostic assay for use not only in clinics and medical mycology laboratories, but mainly in remote locations with limited laboratory infrastructure and/or minimally trained community health workers.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Herpesvirus ateles</Emphasis>, a New Lymphoma Virus of Monkeys

THERE has been a marked increase of post-transfusion hepatitis associated with the increased utilization of blood and its products. The discovery of a reaction of serum from multiple transfused haemophiliacs with serum from patients suffering from hepatitis^1,2 has made it possible to analyse the hepatitis associated antigen (HAA), the agent associated with the transmittance of hepatitis. HAA is currently detected using haemophiliac serum as the antibody source and standard serological techniques, that is, immunodiffusion, complement fixation and immunoelectro-osmophoresis³. This report describes a latex agglutination procedure which is compatible with the existing technology in blood banks as well as being very rapid and sensitive. The assay is based on the agglutination of antibody-absorbed latex particles by HAA contained in the test serum.