Abstract

AIMS--To assess the performance and efficacy of three immunological techniques for the detection of Toxoplasma specific IgA antibodies in acute toxoplasmosis. METHODS--The following techniques were used to examine 128 serum samples (51 cases of acute toxoplasmosis, 50 cases of heterologous infections, and 27 healthy controls): direct enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), antibody capture ELISA, and antibody capture agglutination. RESULTS--Direct ELISA had a sensitivity of 98% and a specificity of 97%, antibody capture ELISA of 100% and 99%, respectively, and antibody capture agglutination had sensitivity and specificity of 100%. CONCLUSIONS--All three immunological techniques performed well with similar efficacy. Detection of Toxoplasma specific IgA antibodies is a useful diagnostic marker for acute toxoplasmosis.