Diffusion-in-gel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for routine detection of IgG and IgM antibodies to Campylobacter jejuni.

A diagnostic serologic test for antibodies to Campylobacter jejuni is presented. A diffusion-in-gel enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with a surface antigen pool from two C jejuni strains was used. In testing serum samples for antibodies to C jejuni this system possessed high specificity, reliability, sensitivity, and capacity. It is easy to perform and there is no demand for expensive equipment. IgG and IgM antibodies can be quantitated separately, which allows for discrimination between individuals with acute infections and those with antibodies remaining after recovery. One serum sample is often sufficient to obtain such information. Seven groups of individuals were investigated. Serum samples from a total of 159 patients in three different groups and from 306 healthy individuals in four different groups were tested.