A serological study with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using the axial filament of Treponema phagedenis biotype Reiter as antigen was performed on 1899 sera to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity. The sensitivity as compared with the fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption test (FTA-ABS) and the automated microhaemagglutination assay with Treponema pallidum antigen ( AMHA -TP) was 94.6% and 93.1%, respectively. The specificity was 98.5% compared to both assays. Furthermore, preliminary results for the determination of IgM antibodies with the same antigen are presented. All procedures including dispensing, washing, optical reading and evaluation of results were performed automatically using a newly-developed ELISA processor connected with an electronic surveillance and control device.
Automation Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid