ROUTINE DIAGNOSIS OF 7 RESPIRATORY VIRUSES AND MYCOPLASMA-PNEUMONIAE BY ENZYME-IMMUNOASSAY

A composite EIA, using 8-well microstrips, was used for the rapid dete ction of seven respiratory viruses and M. pnueumoniae. The viruses inc luded influenza A and B, parainfluenza 1, 2 and 3, adenovirus and resp iratory syncytial virus. During the 61 month period - June 1988 to Jun e 1993 - 17326 respiratory specimens, submitted from three states, wer e tested by this ELA. The specimens were mainly from a paediatric popu lation (hospitals and private physicians). RSV was the predominant vir us detected, followed by adenovirus, parainfluenza 3, M. pneumoniae, i nfluenza A, parainfluenza 2, influenza B and parainfluenza 1. The use of blocking antibodies confirmed the identification of the agents, in particular with samples showing absorbance values greater than the cut off with more than one infectious agent. Different methods for process ing specimens in order to obtain a uniform suspension, and interpretat ion of non-specific reactions, are discussed. The assays showed an ave rage sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 99%, compared to virus cult ure. This ELA system provided an efficient method for the rapid diagno sis of viral and mycoplasmal infections in a busy diagnostic laborator y.