Development of an enzyme immunoassay for cryptococcal antibody.

An enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) for measurement of cryptococcal IgG antibody in human serum is described. Clinical studies indicate that the assay is a useful addition to the currently available techniques for measuring antibodies in cryptococcosis. IgG-specific antibody (titers 4 to 1,024) was detected in the serum of 78% of the cryptococcosis patients tested and in 61% of the serum from healthy individuals with positive delayed skin hypersensitivity to cryptococcin. The micro-ELISA for cryptococcal antibody is of potential value in patient management, and in epidemiological studies.