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Immunofluorescent Studies with Trachoma and Related Antigens¹

From the Department of Microbiology of the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts and the Medical Department, Arabian American Oil Company, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Methods are presented for the utilization of immunofluorescence in field and laboratory studies of the PLT antigens:

1. Antigen-antibody reactions produced easily discernible fluorescence of PLT viruses in yolk sac and tissue culture. Elementary body inclusions in conjunctival scrapings from the eyes of trachomatous patients yielded a brilliant stain. Evidence for the specificity of these reactions is discussed.

2. The titration of PLT antisera by fluorescent antibody is presented.

3. The superiority of fluorescent antibody to Macchiavello staining in the early detection of trachoma virus in egg isolation passages is detailed.

4. A screening test for the presence of PLT antibodies in serum is described, based on the specific inhibition of immunofluorescence.

5. The enhancement of serologic specificity of trachoma antiserum by cross-absorption with trachoma or LGV antigens is reported.

These studies, if confirmed by others, constitute another step in the serologic differentiation of the psittacosis-lymphogranuloma venereum-trachoma group of viruses.

Footnotes

¹ This study was supported in part by the Arabian American Oil Company under its agreement with Harvard University for the conduct of the Aramco Trachoma Research Program.