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Population studies of diphtheria immunity using antitoxin radioimmunoassay

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 October 2009

Margaret A. Menser  and
Judy R. Hudson
Margaret A. Menser
Affiliation:
Children's Medical Research Foundation, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New south Wales, 2050, Australia
Judy R. Hudson
Affiliation:
Children's Medical Research Foundation, Royal Alexandra Hospital for Children, Camperdown, New south Wales, 2050, Australia
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Summary

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A quantitative method for testing serum diphtheria antitoxin levels was set up using a diphtheria antitoxin radioimmunoassay (RIA). The results of this RIA correlated well with the Schick test in 554 subjects and with intradermal neutralization tests in guinea-pigs in a small group of subjects. The RIA was suitable for use on blood collected by fingerprick on to a disc of standard chromatography paper. These discs could be stored at room temperature for at least 1 month. If storage for more than 6 months was required –20 °C was found to be better. Experience with this RIA in a total of 2349 subjects indicated that it is more accurate, rapid and less costly than Schick testing. The RIA should prove to be the preferred method for testing diphtheria immunity in population surveys.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 92 , Issue 1 , February 1984 , pp. 1 - 7
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1984

References

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