Rapid detection of IgG and IgM antibodies for cytomegalovirus by the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

A simple solid phase enzyme immunoassay for the detection of immunoglobulin G and M to cytomegalovirus (CMV) is described. Using this test IgM antibodies to CMV were detected in 0.7 per cent of newborns and regularly after CMV infection in transplant patients, furthermore in these latter patients IgM production was prolonged for several months. For the determination of IgG the enzyme immunoassay was more sensitive than the complement fixation test (CF) and the antibody titres were 4 to 8 fold higher. Since the ELISA test is rapid, specific and unexpensive it can become an acceptable routine diagnostic procedure.