Binding of antigen-enzyme complex by antigen-binding cells as an approach for immunogdiagnosis.

An immunoenzyme method capable of detecting specific antigen-binding cells is developed. The method is based on the chemical coupling of the antigen to beta-galactosidase and binding of the conjugate to the corresponding antigen-binding cells. Human hydatid fluid was used as an antigen model, and cells derived from rabbits immunized with human hydatid fluid showed specific binding to human hydatid fluid-beta-galactosidase conjugate. The method is specific and reproducible and could be used as an immunodiagnostic test for various diseases in which little or no antibody is produced.