Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using three different antigen preparations for detection of antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis.

The ability of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect antibodies to Chlamydia trachomatis was evaluated in 100 sera using three different antigen preparations as substrates (sonicated organisms, Triton X solubilized antigen and SDS solubilized antigen). The results were compared to those obtained by a standard microimmunofluorescence assay. The results obtained by the three ELISA techniques and the microimmunofluorescence method were in relatively good agreement (76%); some discrepant results were observed in sera with a low antibody titer. There was good agreement of results obtained by the three ELISA techniques (84%). The microimmunofluorescence method showed the greatest sensitivity. Assuming the microimmunofluorescence method accurately demonstrates antibodies, the ELISA using Triton X solubilized antigen showed the highest degree of specificity (97%), and the ELISA with sonicated organisms the greatest sensitivity (82%) and accuracy (86%).