Serological characterisation of Ureaplasma urealyticum strains by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

A modification of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the serological characterisation and identification of strains of Ureaplasma urealyticum. The eight recognised human serotypes of U urealyticum and antisera produced against them were used as reference for the evaluation and standardisation of the method. The serological profile illustrating reactions of antigen with homologous and heterologous antisera was specific and reproducible for each serotype. The homologous reaction was always very prominent but some cross-reactivity was seen, most clearly between serotypes 2 and 5. The method was found to be suitable for serological typing of clinical isolates of U urealyticum because of rapid and simple technical procedure, good reproducibility of the results and economical consumption of antisera and other reagents.