Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Detection of IgM-Class Antibodies to Cytomegalovirus

Abstract

A reliable, generally available serological test for IgM antibody to cytomegalovirus (CMV) would be helpful in the diagnosis of CMV infection because IgM antibody to CMV is produced during primary infection and generally lasts no more than 16 weeks in the normal individual [1]. Many different techniques for detecting IgM antibody to CMV have been described, including RIA, ELISA, immunofluorescence (IF), indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA), latex agglutination (LA), and immunoperoxidase staining [2]. RIA is a very specific and sensitive serological method, but it has many disadvantages, including the need for special equipment, the handling of radioactive material, and the use of reagents that have a short shelf life. Methods such as IHA, LA, and immunoperoxidase staining to detect IgM antibody to CMV have not been adequately evaluated. IF is easier to perform than RIA, but this method has poor sensitivity and specificity when compared with RIA [1-4]. Preliminary evaluations have shown ELISA to be a useful technique to detect IgM antibody to CMV in pregnant women, renal transplant patients, and other immunosuppressed patients [1, 5, 6]. In none of the studies, however, were all the serum specimens subjected to analysis by both RIA and ELISA. We present the results of analysis of 192 serum samples analyzed for the presence of IgM antibody to CMV by both RIA and ELISA.