IMMUNO-ELECTRO-DIFFUSION ON CELLULOSE-ACETATE MEMBRANE FOR SEROLOGICAL TESTING IN HUMAN MALARIA

Abstract

An immuno-electro-diffusion assay for human malaria, using cellulose acetate gel, is described. More than 3500 sera were tested by this method, which proved useful epidemiologically since 400 sera a day could be tested by 1 person, with simple equipment. Its sensitivity compared well to the IFA [indirect fluorescent antibody] test, although the antibodies revealed were quite different. A constant precipitin line appeared, against 56.degree. C labile antigens, in sera of subjects infected by Plasmodium falciparum and up to 8 other precipitins per serum tested. The test may be useful in analyzing multiple antibodies occurring in patients with malaria.