Serum antibodies in Campylobacter enteritis

Abstract

A solid-phase enzyme immunoassay method for the measurement of total and class-specific serum antibodies of C. jejuni [C. fetus ssp. jejuni] was developed. The test was sensitive and specific. IgM, IgG and IgA antibodies were detected in .apprx. 90% of sera collected from patients recovering from Campylobacter enteritis, with the pattern of appearance and decline of these antibodies conforming to that usually seen in an acute infection. A poor antibody response was noted in patients with intermittent or prolonged enteritis. The clinical implications and diagnostic value of this test are discussed.