IMMUNOASSAY OF HUMAN NEISSERIA-MENINGITIDIS SEROGROUP A ANTIBODY (VOL26, PG 661, 1997)

An enzyme immunoassay is described which quantitates antibodies to Nei sseria meningitidis serogroup A capsular polysaccharide in human sera. Modifications of a previously developed two-day assay by Carlone et a l. were made to permit analysis in one day and to be compatible with a utomation. The allowable variations in assay conditions and the areas in which stringent control must be maintained for consistent assay per formance are described. Antigen-coating parameters, the kinetics of pr imary and secondary antibody incubation steps, the buffer compositions , including detergents, serum requirements, and the need for blocking steps were examined. Our modified one-day assay showed excellent agree ment with the standardized method of Carlone, with a correlation coeff icient between the two methods of 0.989. This assay is adaptable withi n a permissible range of parameters thus facilitating the implementati on of the standardized assay. This will maximize the consistency of re sults from serum analysis for conjugate vaccine trials related to sero type A Neisseria meningitidis.