Comparison of a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay with immunofluorescence and complement fixation tests for detection of Coxiella burnetii (Q fever) immunoglobulin M

J Clin Microbiol. 2000 Apr;38(4):1645-7. doi: 10.1128/JCM.38.4.1645-1647.2000.

Abstract

A commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the diagnosis of Q fever (PanBio Coxiella burnetii immunoglobulin M [IgM] ELISA, QFM-200) was compared to the indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) for C. burnetii IgM and the complement fixation test (CFT). The ELISA demonstrated 92% agreement with the reference method (IFAT), and gave a sensitivity of 99% (69 of 70 samples) and a specificity of 88% (106 of 121). Specificity can be increased with confirmation by IFAT. CFT was found to have a specificity of 90% (107 of 119), although it was lacking in sensitivity (73%; 51 of 70). No cross-reactivity was observed in the ELISA with serum samples from patients with mycoplasma (n = 6), chlamydia (n = 5), or legionella (n = 4) infections, although 2 of 5 patients with leptospirosis and 1 of 4 samples containing rheumatoid factor (RF) demonstrated positive results in the ELISA. Results indicate that the performance of the PanBio C. burnetii (Q fever) IgM ELISA (F = 187) is superior to that of CFT (F = 163), and consequently the ELISA should be a useful aid in the diagnosis of acute Q fever.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Antibodies, Bacterial / blood
  • Complement Fixation Tests
  • Coxiella burnetii / immunology*
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay*
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / blood*
  • Q Fever / diagnosis*
  • Q Fever / microbiology
  • Sensitivity and Specificity

Substances

  • Antibodies, Bacterial
  • Immunoglobulin M