Kok, T.W.Varkanis, G.Marmion, B.P.Martin, J.Esterman, A.2018-10-102018-10-101988Epidemiology and Infection, 1988; 101(3):669-6840950-26881469-4409http://hdl.handle.net/2440/114947Direct and indirect antigen capture enzyme immunoassays (Ag-EIA) have been developed for the detection of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in nasopharyngeal aspirates or sputum from respiratory infection. The sensitivity of the two Ag-EIA were similar, but the indirect method using polyclonal rabbit and guinea-pig antisera was more convenient. The Ag-EIA had a detection limit of 10(4-4.5) colony-forming units/ml of sample. It was specific for M. pneumoniae and gave a low level response with M. genitalium. There were no cross-reactions with 10 other species of mycoplasmas. Tests with a wide range of bacteria and chlamydia group antigen, representing agents sometimes found in the respiratory tract, were also negative. At the current level of development, the Ag-EIA detected about 90% of specimens that were also positive for culture; 43% of specimens from culture-negative--seropositive patients gave a positive result. The overall pattern of results indicated that while antigen detection is a quick and effective substitute for the slow culture method, serological examination for specific IgM antibody is also necessary to give a complete diagnostic coverage.en© Cambridge University Press 1988NasopharynxMycoplasma pneumoniaeAntigens, BacterialJournal article003007526210.1017/S0950268800029551A1988T1518000192-s2.0-0024240805369245Esterman, A. [0000-0001-7324-9171]