Enhanced chemiluminescence ELISA for Listeria specific antigen in cerebrospinal fluid using an FITC-anti-FITC system.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is described for the detection of a soluble Listeria monocytogenes serogroup 4 antigen in cerebrospinal fluid samples (CSFs). In the ELISA an anti-Listeria monoclonal antibody, immobilized onto assay wells, was used to capture antigen from CSFs, the captured antigen was then reacted with a fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) conjugate of the same anti-Listeria antibody, which was detected with a horseradish peroxidase conjugate of a monoclonal antibody to FITC. The presence of antigen was detected by an enhanced chemiluminescence assay using a camera luminometer. Antigen was detected in the CSFs taken from five out of seven patients with culture proven L. monocytogenes serogroup 4 central nervous system infections, and in none of the CSFs taken from 25 other patients.