Demonstration of Human Measles Antibody by Mixed Agglutination

Abstract

A method for the demonstration of human measles antibody by mixed agglutination was developed. The antibody attached to cells infected with measles virus and was detected by erythrocytes bound through an anti-γ-globulin antibody bridge. The mixed agglutination method was compared to hemagglutination-inhibition and complement-fixation tests and reasonable agreement was obtained. More positive results and higher antibody titers were obtained by mixed agglutination. Several types of studies were employed to evaluate the mixed agglutination method including: a) detection of measles antibody in acute and convalescent sera from patients with clinical measles, b) antibody response as a result of immunization with measles vaccine, and c) occurrence of measles antibody in different age groups.